Private dining rooms (PDRs) are no longer just for intimate dinner parties. Instead, restaurants across the country are incorporating event-appropriate elements into their venues to accommodate everything from influencer lunches and brand launches to corporate conferences and awards banquets. I am. We spoke to 10 event-oriented experts in the restaurant industry about how to integrate everything from retractable walls to Instagram-worthy views to full-fledged bocce courts to attract the growing number of event guests. I heard the hint.
1. Never compromise when it comes to amenities.
COTE Miami is a popular upscale Korean steakhouse located in the exclusive Design District that offers the best in hospitality. At this vibrant Michelin-starred outpost, our servers take care of cooking on tableside grills that reach up to 700 degrees, and we serve USDA Prime, American Wagyu, and Japanese A5 Wagyu cuts, as well as authentic sides. We offer a multi-course, menu-driven, interactive dining experience.
This signature service extends to the Pineapple King Room, which seats up to 10 people for private events and features two grills, one on each side of the table. āThe most unique quality of our His PDR is our signature grill-top His Table, where every steak is grilled to perfection right in front of you,ā said Amy Chow, Director and Partner of Operations. states. COTE’s Pineapple King Room also offers his YETI cooler on demand for parties who would like his service in the room. We also offer a private audio system for customized songs and a hidden flat screen TV for personal viewing, game season, or DIY karaoke parties.
Chou feels that the most important elements a good PDR provides are style, comfort, and energy. āWith PDR, you often trade privacy for energy,ā she explains. “Don’t compromise. Choose her PDR with great finishes and amenities and you’ll never miss a beat.”
2. Divide a large room for a welcome reception.
If you anticipate hosting your event in a private dining room, consider whether the space can be divided to host multiple main events. At Bourbon Steak DC, which has beautiful views of the C&O Canal in the heart of Georgetown, the team uses air walls to convert his 480-square-foot private dining space for 38 people into two It is divided into rooms, namely batch and spirit. A welcome reception is also available.
āThe trend I see is starting with a cocktail reception,ā says Eric Stampe, general manager of Bourbon Steak DC. āThis allows us to offer a more enriching experience by activating different parts of the space for our guests to socialize and enjoy, with a variety of options such as canapĆ©s and permanent appetizers. ā
3. Lighting is key.
At Baar Baal Los Angeles, an Indian restaurant with Victorian design, lighting is always a top priority for private events. “Classic Victorian elegance lies in the chandeliers, which have a vintage look that gives the space a grand feel,” says partner Jyoti Vila. During the day, the curtains can be closed or drawn in the 800-square-foot, 50-seat private dining room, depending on the scope of your event. “It’s a versatile space where you can rearrange the tables and adjust the lighting to suit your event needs. Lighting is essential to suit your vision and is agreed in advance.”
The space hosts many media, influencer, and brand-focused events, so lighting is a key element when it comes to photo shoots. āLooking to the future, we want to evolve PDR by integrating elements that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a space. We envision sexual lighting,ā says Vira.
4. Be aware of the flow.
Gufo in Boston features a unique indoor-outdoor patio space surrounded by an 8-foot-tall wooden fence, creating a private setting within an urban setting. The Italian restaurant’s private patio includes a bocce court, fire pit, and covered patio, which is enclosed and available during colder months.
“Our space is unique and elongated, so it’s important to communicate ‘flow’ to our guests and help them understand the versatility of this space, which can accommodate a variety of event styles, from social cocktails to sit-down dinners.” says the director. Meg Warner at the event. “Help your guests and clients understand the importance of flow from the beginning of the planning process. Even if it’s not necessarily a full bar, setting up wine and beverage stations will help your guests know where they’re going. It will be clear when you can get or order drinks.ā
5. Ask about customizability and vendor limitations.
Located in Washington, DC, Via Sofia at the Hamilton Hotel PDR prides itself on being intimate, inviting and a true extension of the restaurant. This creates a special feeling. But regional food and beverage director Joseph Palminteri says the space’s customizability is its most important feature.
āPersonal touches such as custom place cards, floral patterns, various dĆ©cor items, AV, and branded items are all great tips for making your gathering unique and memorable,ā he says. “It’s also important to ask upfront if there are any restrictions on bringing in an external vendor rather than working with a ‘preferred vendor.'”
6. Choose an Instagram-worthy view.
It’s no secret that organic social media is a great source of free advertising for great venues. At Tiki Hut on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Beach House food and beverage director Matt Sackow said the venue makes the most of its 20-person private tiki hut for events.
āOne of the best views on the island, sitting atop a tree provides guests with stunning, Instagram-worthy views of the beach and ocean,ā he explains. āAt night, guests can relax, have drinks with friends, and make memories in this private area illuminated by tiki torches.ā
To accomplish this task, Sackow says venues need an atmosphere that connects with guests and enhances enjoyment. āIf itās an authentic, authentic experience, it creates a seamless connection,ā he says.
7. Find the āwowā factor.
Whether new or newly renovated, many PDRs are going above and beyond to offer state-of-the-art technology features, especially to appeal to private event audiences. Debuting in early December, Nikko’s Prime Cuts & Fresh Fish at his new $780 million Durango Casino & Resort in Las Vegas brought out all the bells and whistles of the soon-to-open Verandah Room. Her Renee Di Liddo, director of sales and catering, asks, “Is this space completely wowing your guests?”
For example, the Verdanda Room will be a fully enclosed glass room with a glass ceiling and full-length retractable walls. These open onto the surrounding water and lead to an additional private seating garden with more water and a large oak tree in the center of the outdoor space. Additionally, he has two airwall connections PDR and a private bar.
āThe future of PDR is definitely natural light, great views, indoor and outdoor dining, turnkey AV options that guests can easily control, high-quality sound systems, and dedicated Wi-Fi and internet,ā Di Lido said. say.
8. Be careful with your layout.
The private dining room is not just for eating. Garibaldi at InterContinental San Diego is an Italian island-inspired rooftop restaurant offering a unique and flexible private event space for corporate and social groups. This venue has been used for a variety of event settings, from food and wine tastings to weddings and art installations.
Jacqueline Corrigan, the restaurant’s catering sales manager, says holistic mindfulness is important when considering the program for an event. “Before your guests take their seats, be sure to make sure there’s enough space for them to mingle. If you have a presentation, be mindful of seating position so everyone can easily see the screen or speaker. Food stations Please place them carefully so as not to obstruct the view.
9. When faced with multiple options, remember what you want to accomplish with the event.
In some cases, you may be lucky and find a restaurant with multiple private dining spaces. If you need to choose the right space that offers multiple PDR options within one venue, do your homework. Orlando-based Paddlefish is located on Lake Buena Vista at Disney Springs and offers three floors of indoor and outdoor semi-private and private spaces to accommodate any type of reception.
“Think about what you want from the beginning to best plan space, seating, food, music, and more,” says Sales Director Kate Harrelson. āEach event space within a venue offers something different, and one may be better suited than the other.ā For example, a rooftop deck may be better suited for casual gatherings than a sit-down dinner. Banquet halls may be too large for small, intimate gatherings.
10. Services should be proactive, but never invasive.
At Twenty Eight Atlantic at Cape Cod’s Wekassett Resort & Golf Club, the PDR focal point is floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Pleasant Bay, along with wine walls and other chic coastal accents. However, in every feature he is based on providing a 5 star experience.
āThe most important feature is our team’s ability to provide a five-star fine dining experience, as well as proactive, but non-invasive service,ā said Regional Managing Director, Wekassett Resort & Golf Club Dining Team. Director Alton Chun says. “Our private dining groups sometimes utilize this space for business meetings or intimate family celebrations. Our restaurant team is keenly aware of how to serve in a harmonious manner. is important.ā