A Family-Style Restaurant, also known as service à la française, is a type of casual dining establishment where food is typically served on platters and diners serve themselves. These restaurants are known for their relaxed, friendly atmosphere and are often geared towards families and large groups. The menu at these establishments usually features a variety of dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes and are moderately priced.
In the context of Italian cuisine, a family-style restaurant can be compared to a traditional trattoria. A trattoria is an Italian-style dining place that is less formal than a ristorante but more formal than an osteria. These establishments typically do not have a printed menu, offer casual service, and sell wine by the decanter rather than the bottle. The prices are generally low, and the menu consists of modest but plentiful offerings that follow regional and local recipes. Sometimes, food is served family-style, at common tables.
Origin and history of the family style restaurant
The origin of family-style Restaurants can be traced back to two distinct dining practices. The first is the 'service à la française', a formal dining style that was prevalent from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. In this style, various dishes of a meal were served simultaneously, and diners would help themselves from the serving dishes. This style of service has largely been replaced in modern times by “service à la russe”, where dishes are served sequentially and individually. However, the “service à la française” still exists today in the form of buffets and is popular for gatherings in homes, companies, hotels, and other group settings. It is also similar to the Chinese style of serving large groups in many Chinese restaurants. A less formal version of “service à la française” is known as “family-style” in restaurants, replicating the way small family meals are sometimes served.
The second origin of the family-style restaurant concept is the Italian trattoria. A trattoria is an Italian-style eating establishment that is less formal than a ristorante but more formal than an osteria. Traditionally, trattorias did not have printed menus and offered casual service, with wine sold by the decanter rather than the bottle. The food offerings were modest but plentiful, following regional and local recipes rather than haute cuisine. Sometimes, food was served family-style, at common tables. However, this tradition has waned in recent decades, with many trattorias adopting some of the trappings of a ristorante.
Unique characteristics of family style restaurants
Size
Family-style restaurants are typically larger in size compared to other types of restaurants. They are designed to accommodate larger groups of people, such as families or large parties. They often have larger dining areas with tables that can be combined to seat bigger groups. The kitchen area is also usually larger to handle the volume of food required for serving larger portions, which is a common feature in family-style dining.
Atmosphere
Family-style restaurants are characterized by a warm, welcoming, and casual atmosphere. They are designed to feel like dining at home, with comfortable seating, relaxed lighting, and often, decor that evokes a sense of nostalgia or homeliness. The service is friendly and accommodating, with a focus on making guests feel like part of the family. The noise level is usually moderate, with the buzz of conversation and often, the sounds of children.
Menu
Family-style restaurants, also known as casual dining restaurants, typically offer a more relaxed atmosphere with a wide variety of food options. The menu often includes a range of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages, catering to a broad demographic. The unique feature of family style restaurants is the serving style. Dishes are often served in large portions intended for sharing among the group, promoting a communal dining experience.
Service
In Family-style restaurants, dishes are typically served in large platters and bowls in the middle of the table, encouraging shared eating. This is different from fine dining or fast food restaurants where meals are individually plated. The atmosphere in family-style restaurants is usually relaxed and friendly, aiming to make customers feel at home. The staff often interacts more with customers, adding to the familial ambiance.
Alcohol
Family-style restaurants and other types of restaurants differ significantly in their approach to serving alcohol. Family-style restaurants, as the name suggests, cater to families, including children. Therefore, the emphasis is more on food rather than alcohol. They may offer a limited selection of alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer, but typically do not have extensive bar menus. The alcohol service is often more discreet, with drinks served at the table rather than at a visible bar area.
What items are typically on a family style restaurant’s menu?
Appetizers
Appetizers in family style restaurants often include Chicken Wings ($7.99 ~ $39.70), Mozzarella Sticks ($5.99 ~ $14.17), Nachos ($6.99 ~ $18.64), Bruschetta ($7.88 ~ $25.79), and Fried Calamari ($8.90 ~ $20.00).
Soups
Soups are a common starter in family style restaurants. Options often include Chicken Noodle Soup ($3.47 ~ $19.99), Tomato Soup ($3.75 ~ $12.56), Clam Chowder ($4.99 ~ $10.40), Minestrone ($5.59 ~ $10.53), and French Onion Soup ($5.00 ~ $11.99).
Salads
Salads are another popular starter in family style restaurants. Options often include Caesar Salad ($6.43 ~ $16.15), Greek Salad ($7.38 ~ $17.70), Cobb Salad ($9.86 ~ $18.66), Chef Salad ($6.99 ~ $17.02), and Spinach Salad ($5.99 ~ $18.00).
Main Courses
Main courses in family style restaurants often include hearty dishes like Grilled Chicken ($6.00 ~ $20.00), Spaghetti Bolognese ($13.95 ~ $25.00), Steak ($6.19 ~ $24.99), Fish and Chips ($9.89 ~ $23.73), and BBQ Ribs ($9.95 ~ $29.69).
Sides
Sides often include French Fries ($2.99 ~ $7.99), Mashed Potatoes ($1.99 ~ $10.60), Steamed Vegetables ($3.26 ~ $11.00), Coleslaw ($2.70 ~ $6.99), and Garlic Bread ($1.25 ~ $9.53).
Desserts
Desserts often include Apple Pie ($1.79 ~ $13.00), Cheesecake ($4.79 ~ $14.00), Chocolate Cake ($4.99 ~ $12.95), Ice Cream ($3.00 ~ $9.40), and Tiramisu ($4.75 ~ $15.60).
Beverages
Beverages often include Soft Drinks ($2.00 ~ $4.25), Coffee ($1.99 ~ $5.93), Tea ($1.95 ~ $4.73), Milkshakes ($4.78 ~ $9.01), and Juices ($2.48 ~ $6.49).
Are family-style restaurants popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Family-style restaurants are indeed popular for all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These restaurants are known for their warm, welcoming atmosphere and large portions that are meant to be shared among the table, making them a favorite choice for families and large groups. For breakfast, family style restaurants often offer hearty dishes like pancakes, eggs, bacon, and toast, all served in generous portions for sharing. Lunch might include a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, again in larger quantities. Dinner at a family style restaurant is typically a more substantial meal, with options ranging from pasta dishes to meat entrees, accompanied by a selection of sides.
Are family-style restaurants popular for food delivery?
Family-style restaurants are traditionally known for their communal, sit-down dining experiences where large dishes are shared among a group. However, with the rise of food delivery services and the shift in dining habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, family-style restaurants have adapted to remain popular and relevant. Many family-style restaurants have started offering their menu items in larger portions suitable for sharing, catering to families or groups ordering in. This allows customers to recreate the communal dining experience at home. Additionally, these restaurants often provide a diverse menu, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences within a group, making them a popular choice for food delivery.
What are the most popular family-style restaurant chains?
Based on the information available, several popular family-style restaurant chains in the United States can be highlighted. These include Bakers Square, Big Boy Restaurants, Bob's Big Boy, Boomarang Diner, Bob Evans Restaurants, Carrows, Coco's Bakery, and Cracker Barrel. Other popular restaurant chains suitable for family-style dining include Applebee's, Arby's, Bahama Breeze, Baskin-Robbins, Benihana, BJ's Restaurants, Bonefish Grill, Buca di Beppo, California Pizza Kitchen, Carrabba's Italian Grill, The Cheesecake Factory, Chili's, Chuck E. Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Dairy Queen, Denny's, Domino's, Famous Dave's, Five Guys, Hard Rock Cafe, and Hooters.
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