What is a food court? Food courts in shopping centers, photo

It's hard to find a person who would never go to a food court. True, many people do not even know about it.

Place for food

First you need to understand the name itself. It is a combination of two words: "food" and "court". From the English "food court" can be translated as a "courtyard for eating", or "restaurant yard." The second phrase most clearly describes the target orientation of the object. This is how it is accepted to be perceived. Food court is usually located in the place of a large crowd of people (airport, shopping center). It, in fact, is a zone where public catering enterprises offer their services to the public. Previously, the role of such places was performed by cafeterias. But their meager range was not able to satisfy the growing and quite diverse demand. Today, people's desires are not limited to a glass of drink and a bun. A person who spent several hours in an airplane chair or at shop windows in search of the right product needs something more. He wants to rest a little, and at the same time it is quite dense and tasty to eat. That's what a food court is for.

Unusual cafe

A distinctive feature of all the "restaurant yards" is the fact that in one room there can be several completely different retail outlets. Two, three or even more sellers can offer their products. This principle underlies every café "food court". This institution, in fact, is a few mini-cafes located on the same territory. Some can offer ice cream, others - fast food, and still others - hot dishes of national cuisine of different nations of the world. A visitor can simultaneously place an order with each seller and pay with one check. It is very convenient and very inexpensive. Such establishments outwardly resemble a small restaurant where everyone will find a dish to their taste. They are very cozy in them. Soft sofas and comfortable furniture create the necessary comfort and help to relax. In such cafes you can sit comfortably with the whole family or spend time with friends. In addition, here you can celebrate your birthday by making a pre-order in advance.

Useful area

Organizing work in such an institution is not easy. Everything should be not only thought out to the smallest detail, but also convenient and profitable for sellers, buyers and retailers. Each of them wants to be a winner and tries to do everything possible for this. Therefore, the food court zone is always clearly delineated. Hosts of trading places should organize the work so that as much as possible to draw attention to the offered goods. For this purpose, highlights and various specialized showcases are used. For example, confectionery is conveniently viewed on a rotating stand, salads and sandwiches are best kept on refrigerated shelves, and drinks are conveniently stored in refrigerators. Everything should be clear and understandable. The task of retailers is to attract as many operators as possible and help them to interest consumers. This directly depends on their profits. And visitors only have to choose from a large number of proposals for themselves, which will prove to be the most profitable in the end.

Near the sales counter

The most famous in our country is the food courts in shopping centers. And in recent years, their popularity has even greatly increased. Practically in every hypermarket there is a premise where mass food of all comers is organized. It is used not only by buyers. Many workers also enjoy visiting such establishments. This gives them the opportunity to properly organize their meal and not stay away from the workplace for a long time. After all, it's unpleasant to look when the seller talks about the product with a pie in his hand or hides a container with a salad on the windowsill. For food should always be allocated and place, and time. Usually in shopping malls such establishments are located on the upper floors of the building and have - at least - two entrances. This makes it possible to allocate such a place among trade counters and not create clashes of visitors at the entrance and exit. The premises of this kind, as a rule, are functionally divided into two parts: the place of food intake and the place where the distribution point with the kitchen is located. Everything is arranged so that a person does not feel discomfort during a visit.

View from outside

Many people prefer cozy food courts instead of cafes and large restaurants for daily visits. Photos of each institution can be found in the booklets, which are often distributed by young guys on the streets of the city. Such advertising is very beneficial for the owners of such premises. After all, the liked institution can be visited even by those who did not intend to go shopping at the shopping center. Just a person liked the place where you can comfortably eat. Perhaps someone is working nearby and will happily spend their lunch break here. In such yards it is very convenient to make an order. Usually the offered assortment there is presented in the form of interchangeable light blocks. This allows you to see in advance what you have to eat in a few minutes. In addition to photography dishes, the screen has its full composition and price. So you can determine the choice without assistance and pre-calculate your order.

"Restaurant patios" for visitors

Vacationers at the resorts can also meet a food court at the hotel. Such institutions are very popular in Eastern countries. They resemble small cafes, where several experienced chefs demonstrate their culinary art. Dishes are prepared to order, right before the eyes of visitors. In exotic countries of Asia and Africa, such institutions are present in almost any tourist complex. Any holidaymaker considers it his duty to visit such a place where you can try unusual dishes of national cuisine. Premises of this kind are more often located in the open air. This allows you to feel the local flavor more and get the maximum pleasure. Cozy sitting at a separate table, you can, without hurrying, watch the cooking process, and then with an appetite to enjoy the unusual taste of a variety of dishes prepared according to old recipes in the best national traditions. The meal is usually supplemented by a musical accompaniment, which only enhances the effect.

What is lacking in the shopping center?

Often people ask themselves: "What is a food court in a shopping center and for whom is it needed?" The answer lies in the name itself. This institution is necessary for both buyers and owners of retail space. Clear benefit can be found both. For visitors, this is the place where you can satisfy hunger and make a little breather between shopping. After all, especially in large shopping centers to find the right product sometimes take hours, and the human body can not always cope with this load. And in the "restaurant yard" you can take a breath and have a little snack before the next step. For the owner of a large complex, there is also interest. This kind of resting place allows people not to rush home. They can walk longer in different departments in search of the right products. This increases the number of visitors and accordingly allows you to expect to increase the expected profit. In addition, a properly organized eating place makes people come here again, even just to eat. This also brings a considerable income. As a result, the owner has a double interest in this matter.

Simple question

The above information is enough to understand once and for all what a food court is? Now it is clear even to the child that this is a public institution where you can eat deliciously, have a little rest, have fun, and also have a good time alone or in the company of good friends. And all this is done simultaneously. Staff for this makes every effort, and visitors can only enjoy and do what they came here for. But in this, as in any other business, it does not do without any problems. For example, the issue of ventilation. After all, the smells of fresh kebabs are not very in harmony with the aroma of croissants and hot coffee. Therefore, in such premises, the issue of air exchange and the creation of an appropriate microclimate becomes quite acute. Yes, and the workspace needs to be thought out in advance. The arrangement of dining tables and technological equipment should in no case create discomfort to staff or visitors. Only then will the hospitable "courtyard" bring joy and full satisfaction.