The French have given us many great things through the years: fine perfumes, champagne, fashion, and art. (They’ve even given us Americans a model for free universal health care if anyone in Washington would choose to adopt it, but that’s another rant entirely!) And let us not forget the bistros. They’re becoming very popular all over the States, thanks to chains like La Madeleine. 
French bistros are, traditionally, quaint eateries with moderately-priced, simple meals. They typically serve classic French cuisine, such as steak au poivre, chicken friand, French onion soup, and quiches. Bistros are wonderful places to go with a date or a small group of friends. The unpretentious setting is cozy and relaxing, urging you to take your time and really enjoy the total dining experience.
The furniture is a big part of a bistro’s appeal. Whether it’s a rustic French decor or a modern mish-mash of bright colors and textures, a bistro should be comfortable and inviting, roomy without being over-large. To make sure customers are happy and willing to spend a while at your bistro, take a second look at your contract bistro furniture. Could it use a face-lift?
Luckily, bistro owners have more choices than ever before. Decide which general theme you would like for your bistro, and run with it. Wood has a warm, traditional feel to it, but outdoor bistros often have wrought-iron, steel, or even plastic contract bistro furniture. In some bistros, it’s hard to discern their outdoor seating from the patio furniture you’d find at home. There are no hard and fast rules; go with the style that best suits your eatery.
For more information about modern bistros of every cuisine, take a look at this article from Custom Culinary.
