Making Meals Memorable: Environment

The environment includes the dining room; the tables and chairs; the dishes, glassware, and flatware; and the serving equipment. The environment affects the perception of the meal service. It may have a positive or negative impact.

Have you ever eaten at a restaurant that was dirty, cluttered, and dark? Did you stay? If not, was it because you thought that if the dining room looked that bad, what would the kitchen look like and how could the food be safe and taste good? And if you did stay, did you have a negative perception of the food before you even saw it?

The residents and their families are not any different. If the dining room is clean, uncluttered, and attractive, it will create a positive impression which will be reflected upon the food as well.

The tables and chairs also need to be clean, attractive, and comfortable. Tablecloths, napkins, centerpieces, and attractive dinnerware all contribute to the impression of the food and service.

Serving equipment, such as trays, stands, serving carts, and bussing carts also need to be cleaned and well-maintained.

A good practice is to try to look at the dining room before each meal as though you were seeing it for the first time. What impression does it make? And then change what creates a negative impression.

What was the nicest dining room you ever saw? What made it special?