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Communal tables promote shared experienceCommunal tables promote shared experience

Seating style offers chain operators a new way to engage customers

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

May 28, 2012

7 Min Read
Nation's Restaurant News logo in a gray background | Nation's Restaurant News

By Ron Ruggless


More restaurant concepts are pushing aside the two-tops and setting a communal table into their dining room floor plans.


Once found in only a handful of independent restaurants, shared eating spaces are popping up in both hip urban bistros and suburban chains, creating more welcoming environments that operators say help to build community, loyalty and sales — as long as they fit a concept’s image and don’t disrupt traffic flow or other diners.


“Communal tables deliver a more inviting, welcoming restaurant experience for two reasons,” said Judy Kadylak, marketing director for Burlington, Vt.-based Bruegger’s Enterprises Inc. “First, they send a clear message to guests that large groups are welcome, which helps to build loy...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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