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Smart ideas for busy cafés and restaurants

Looking for ways to make your café or restaurant run a bit smoother and ease the workload for your team in the process? These tips explore how to create flexible seating options, keeping track of your orders and empowering your customers to help out.

A grey SUNDSÖ chair is being set in an outdoor café area, adorned with plenty of plants, by a person wearing a black shirt.
A grey SUNDSÖ chair is being set in an outdoor café area, adorned with plenty of plants, by a person wearing a black shirt.

Delegate some of the work – to your customers

Transform your café or restaurant into a collaborative space. Why not set up a self-service area inviting customers to help by taking their own cutlery, spices, and beverages? And when lunch is over, encourage them to participate in cleanup and recycling.

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Two KOLBJÖRN shelving units placed side by side, carrying VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker lamps glasses, and boxes with cutlery.
A recycling station on the outside of a red container containing of a KOLBJÖRN shelving unit and DAMMÄNG bins with lids.
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Keep them warm and happy

By placing extra cushions and throws in outdoor-friendly carrier bags, your customers can help find their own preferred level of warmth and comfort. Easy to bring out and in at the start and end of the day.

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A SUNDSÖ table and chair stand next a red container. There are SÄCKKÄRRA carrier bags hanging from hooks on the façade.
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Order tracking made easy

Maximising space and creating an efficient workflow is vital for any café or restaurant. A wall-mounted pegboard helps keep track of your orders, store takeaway menus, bags, and anything else involved in fulfilling your customers’ orders. Place it next to the register for extra easy access.

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Three SKÅDIS pegboards are mounted on the wall next to the counter at a café. There are shopping bags hanging from hooks.
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Wall storage for easy accessibility

Clothing and bags hung over chairs not only take up precious space, they’re also a safety hazard. Wall-mounted hangers free up space while keeping the customers’ personal belongings close at hand. And why not make it a design feature by going big? Easy to find, easy to love.

A person wearing a floral top is sitting on a LANDSKRONA sofa looking at her phone. A scarf and bag hang from TJUSIG hanger.

Sideboard or entertainment centre? Why not both?

When things get hectic, it’s important to keep your guests entertained. Magazines are a classic because they work. But keeping them intact, free from food and coffee stains, and in the same place, can be tricky. By gathering them in see-through boxes, they are visible but not scattered around your premises.

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Two PANSARTAX storage boxes are placed on a INVALLNING trolley. The lid is open on one, revealing a stack of magazines.
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Flexible seating solutions when rush hour hits

Turning away customers during peak hours, because of a lack of seating, is an issue for many café and restaurant owners. With foldable chairs and tables, you can easily make room during busy hours. And when not in use, they store away easily, saving space, creating a more intimate (and easy to manage) vibe.

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SUNDSÖ tables and chairs are set up in an outdoor area. There are glasses, carafes and chopping boards on the tables.
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Before you buy

These solutions contain a mix of articles developed for domestic and non-domestic use. Please verify that your purchases are compliant and suitable for the intended use in your area. Contact IKEA for Business for more information about range.

Looking for more tips for your business?

An outdoor lounge area with a SEGERÖN sofa and coffee table. There are green outdoor rugs and privacy screens with plants.
Browse our gallery of interior design tips for businesses