Overview
Short answer: Put a long absorbent mat inside the front door, a second one at the host stand, and a check at the start of every shift. Wet shoes drip from the door to the table, so the mat path needs to cover that walk.
A busy restaurant in New York in winter has the same problem every evening. Guests arrive in wet shoes, coats drip and the first ten feet of the dining room get slippery. This checklist follows the guest from the sidewalk to the table.
The sidewalk and the door
- Is the area outside the door swept or cleared of ice melt crystals before guests arrive?
- Is there a mat outside or a scraper surface just inside the door?
- Do both doors in a vestibule have a mat?
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Inside the door
- Is the mat long enough for several steps? A short mat at the threshold is not enough.
- Is it flat, with no curled corners?
- Is it clean and not already soaked? A full mat stops absorbing.
The host stand
- Is there a mat where guests stand and wait? People stop here and drip.
- Is the path from the host stand to the first tables free of wet patches?
- Is a wet floor sign within reach?
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The dining room
- Check the main aisles at the start of service, then again at the busiest hour.
- Pay attention to corners where coats are hung and where guests pause at the bar.
- Keep a clean towel or mop ready to dry spots right away.
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Back of house
- Is there an anti-slip or anti-fatigue mat at the kitchen door, dish pit and bar? These floors get wet from spills and cleaning, and staff stand for long hours.
- Do staff wear shoes made for slick floors?
- Are mats lying flat and free of grease?
Shift routine
A simple routine keeps it all working:
- Open. Walk the entrance and the host stand. Replace any soaked mat.
- Peak hour. Check again, since traffic is highest. Dry puddles at once.
- Close. Note which mats need replacing and tell your provider.
What the rule says
OSHA’s walking and working surfaces rule expects workplace floors to be kept clean and, as far as feasible, dry. Mats and daily checks are the practical way to meet that in winter.
How a rental program helps
Soaked mats need to be swapped quickly, and washing large mats in a restaurant is rarely practical. A program with a regular route brings clean mats and takes the used ones away. See our restaurant mat service and our general mat rental service.
Frequently asked questions
What mats do restaurants need in winter? An absorbent entrance mat, a second at the host stand, and anti-slip mats in wet work areas.
How often should restaurant mats be changed in winter? Weekly is a common start. During storms or very busy periods, more frequent swaps help.
Do I need mats if I mop often? Mopping alone cannot keep up with a steady stream of wet shoes. Mats stop most of the water before it reaches the floor.
Need a hand?
Stamford Uniform and Linen can help plan mats for your restaurant. Contact us to talk about your doors and your schedule.
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