You are invited to join the new Restaurant China Plate Flippers Forums featuring threaded posts, easy image posting, no email (threads posted directly to the forum replace all email; you must enter the forum with the link below to read and enter posts), and no donation requests.

Individual attention is available from Restaurant China book author, Barbara Conroy, Annaliese (theBeesKnees), Jane (timestreasures; mainly railroad china), Matt Hanne (transportation  china and some German translation), Bill Rist (Hall China specialist), Shyrone S. (airline china specialist), and other long time knowledgeable collectors as well as new collectors. After only two weeks there are 577 informative posts.

Most important it's a happy easy going and supportive group with the common bond of restaurant china. Should a negative post sneak in, it  will be deleted before it can cause a problem. Also there is a feedback forum where members can offer suggestions to improve the board.  

 

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Restaurant China Plate Flippers Forums

 

 

Welcome to the
 Restaurant China Homepage!

Generally referred to as hotelware or commercial china in the foodservice industry, this sturdy china includes some of the finest quality ware ever produced (.....consider the medium-heavy gauge stencil airbrushed designs or medium gauge ornately decorated service plates). In addition to restaurants, it is used on board airplanes, ships, and trains, as well as in the dining areas of hotels, railroad stations, airports, government offices, military facilities, corporations, schools, hospitals, churches, clubs and the like. Collectors seem to particularly enjoy the nostalgia that ware produced before 1960 provides. Reminiscent of days gone by, a piece of cafe or railroad china brings to mind pre-freeway cross-country vacations by car or rail. Some find it difficult to pass up any dining concern or transportation top marked piece, while others seek specific categories such as ware from ship lines, casinos, or amusement parks. Some look for body colors including pink, blue, or tan or certain patterns, such as "Willow" or "Indian Tree." Western motifs and stencil airbrushed designs are especially popular. Certain collectors specialize in cream pitchers, butters, or teapots in both hotelware and household china. There are those who are simply attracted to the sturdy look and smooth feel of restaurant ware, finding it desirable for everyday use. Thus, the field of commercial china satisfies a broad spectrum of interests.

In addition, the history of American hotels and foodservice is quite captivating. Picture America as it developed and industrialized..... the food wagons on the corner, drug stores and soda shops, Fred Harvey restaurants, lunch rooms and Automats, early hamburger chains, diners, and Route 66. Each of the following used custom china:

These and so many many more are fascinating and complement transatlantic crossings, railroad dining cars and Vista Domes, and finally meals in flight. Yes, the "whole enchilada"..... the bigger picture of the foodservice industry from the late-1800s to the present is certainly intriguing. While age enhances value, it no longer necessarily peaks interest. Ware from the late-1800s, mid-20th century, or present can be equally as desirable. When it comes to commercial china of every sort.... just bring it on.
 

As collectible's dealer Sue Watts so aptly puts it, "...alas another collection.... but this line is so different..... it sets such a great table, with everyone having their own place setting."   ~