how I used Crate & Barrel to outfit my entire restaurant

breadth of products

What truly streamlined the entire process was how the Trade Program catered to every aspect of my restaurant's needs. It wasn't just about the beautiful furniture for the dining room; I was able to source stylish, durable essentials for the tabletop like chip-resistant dinnerware and affordable, eye-catching glassware, plus stunning decor. The fact that I could outfit my entire restaurant through a single resource saved me countless hours and logistical headaches.

The Trade Program gives you access to the entire assortment from both Crate & Barrel and CB2. The breadth of design aesthetics that are available is impressive from modern to classic, minimalist to colorful. There are so many design-forward options you just won’t find at a typical restaurant supply store.

Here’s everything I was able to get for my restaurant:

• All dinnerware

• Wine, cocktail and water glasses

• Flatware including specialty functions like steak knives

• Table linens

• Wall decor like artwork and mirrors

• Dining room furniture including tables and chairs

• Faux plants and botanicals

• Curtains

• Bathroom accessories

ease of replenishment

I was impressed with not only how quickly I could work with my Trade concierge to get products but also how easy it’s been to replenish as needed. We’ve already ordered additional flatware, plates and other items—it’s been very smooth and seamless. There’s no minimums or need to order by the case, so I’m able to get just what I need. I can place an online order or just head to my local Crate & Barrel. Especially with Elmina being my first restaurant, I really enjoyed getting to see many of the products in person in the store before ordering. Feeling the textured ceramic plates or the fluted glassware made me confident in the quality and helped me envision my dishes coming to life. I knew my diners were going to love the experience.

white glove delivery

Opening a restaurant is an all-consuming endeavor. I also split my time between Elmina, my Food Network shows and of course, spending time with my daughter, so every minute is precious. The white glove delivery service provided by Crate and Barrel was exceptional. The care and attention to detail in handling and setting up the furniture and decor upon arrival were truly impressive. This level of service not only saved my team valuable time and effort but also ensured that every piece was presented flawlessly, and that the restaurant was ready to go on day one.

20% discount

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of the Crate & Barrel Trade Program is the exclusive 20% discount. It’s free for restaurant professionals to join the program, and you’ll get access to the concierge design services plus this discount on all orders. Outfitting a new restaurant involves substantial investment, and this significant saving allowed me to allocate resources more effectively across all areas of my business. It made it possible to select high-quality pieces that aligned perfectly with my vision without compromising on style or durability.

guests, impressed

The response to the decor has been incredible. When I tell our guests that the chairs, decor, dinnerware, and essentially everything at the restaurant is from Crate & Barrel, their eyes light up. They’re always asking where they can get certain things, and it's just really cool to have another engagement point with them. Having Crate in our restaurant, almost exclusively, adds a cool factor and another layer to the experience. Thanks to the Trade Program, Elmina has come to life exactly as I imagined, offering a truly immersive and memorable dining experience.