Exploring the World of OS&E: A Q&A with Maddy McLeary

With a wealth of experience shaping world-class F&B concepts, Brand Development Director Maddy McLeary offers us some insider knowledge on  what OS&E is and why it’s such an important part of what we do at TGP International.

What is OS&E?

In the context of F&B branding and concept development, Operating Supplies and Equipment (OS&E) refers to the essential items required for the daily operations of a food and beverage establishment. These include kitchenware, tableware, linens, service items, and other operational equipment that support seamless service and functionality.

How does OS&E ALTER the PERCEPTION OF FOOD AND overall DINING experience?  

The power of OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment) lies in its ability to enhance not just the visual appeal but the entire sensory experience of dining. Think about dining with quality silverware and crystal-cut strikes—it immediately elevates the perception of the meal.    

The texture of plates, the feel and weight of cutlery, and even the way glassware is designed to amplify flavour all contribute to this.  

Ever wondered why the same meal can feel different depending on where you eat it? The tableware you use—plates, cutlery, and glassware—plays a big role in how you perceive flavour, texture, and even portion size. 

Plates & Bowls: The size of a plate can influence how much food you think you’re eating—larger plates can make portions look smaller, while smaller plates create a sense of abundance. Round plates feel balanced, while square or rectangular ones give a more refined, modern aesthetic. Wide-rimmed plates enhance elegance, while deep bowls intensify aroma and warmth. Colour also matters—white plates brighten flavours, dark tones add drama, and warm hues stimulate appetite. A heavy, textured plate makes a dish feel more artisanal, whereas a glossy, lightweight one adds sophistication.  

Cutlery: The weight and shape of utensils affect how we experience food. A heavy fork or spoon makes a meal feel more luxurious, while lightweight cutlery creates a more casual vibe. Wide spoons enhance sweetness, sharp knives improve texture perception, and metallic finishes like copper can subtly alter taste. Even the way a fork curves can change how comfortable a dish feels to eat. 

Glassware: The right glass doesn’t just hold a drink—it transforms it. For instance, red wine glasses are crafted with a larger bowl to help aerate the wine and to allow you to immerse your nose in the aromas while narrow glasses such as champagne flutes are designed to preserve the effervescence, encourage bubble flow and to be directive with the aromas to enhance a fresher and crisper drinking experience. A thin rim makes a sip feel smooth and elegant, while a heavy base adds a sense of indulgence, especially for whiskey or cocktails.  

OS&E, when thoughtfully selected, transforms the dining experience into a multisensory journey and can completely change the way you experience a meal. 

Why is it crucial to align OS&E with a brand's concept and identity? 

The power of OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment) lies in its ability to enhance not just the visual appeal but the entire sensory experience of dining. Think about dining with quality silverware and crystal-cut strikes—it immediately elevates the perception of the meal.    

OS&E must seamlessly align with a restaurant's positioning and brand identity. For example, you wouldn't serve a fast-food on bone china or use minimalist plates for an extravagant and over the top concept. It's about context—a casual restaurant needs durable, cost-effective OS&E, whereas a fine-dining restaurant demands bespoke, high-end designs. The colours, patterns, and materials of the OS&E should complement the restaurant's narrative, design and tone of voice to enhance and reaffirm its positioning.  

Additionally, incorporating branded elements into plates and glassware strengthens a restaurant's identity and increases brand visibility. This encourages social media sharing, sets the venue apart, and ultimately enhances customer loyalty and the overall dining experience. 

This thoughtful curation ensures consistency in brand storytelling and enhances the guest's emotional and physical connection to, and perception of, the dining experience.  

What role does OS&E play in enhancing the sensory and social aspects of dining?

OS&E significantly influences how guests interact with their meals and with each other. Take Assembly, for example— a restaurant built around social dining and sharing. We embraced this concept with tableware designed for communal experiences, featuring a large central bowl accompanied by smaller sharing plates. The handcrafted look and feel of these pieces further enhance the inviting atmosphere. 

This arrangement encouraged guests to connect, share, and engage with the food collectively, creating a warm and sociable atmosphere. The size, shape, and material of the tableware subtly influenced how guests approached the meal—whether as an individual serving or a shared experience—enhancing their connection with the brand and each other, much like dining together at home. 

What are the key factors in sourcing OS&E for different restaurant concepts?

Sourcing OS&E starts with understanding the restaurant's positioning—is it fine dining or causal, refined or more family friendly?  This decision influences everything from the material and design to the cost .

The goal is to balance aesthetic appeal, operational functionality, and brand alignment without compromising quality or practicality.  

Sustainability and supply chain logistics are also critical for sustainable operations, items must be durable, sustainably sourced, and easily replenished. 

Can you share a challenging yet rewarding OS&E project you've worked on?

One of our most challenging yet rewarding projects involved developing OS&E for a Saudi restaurant in Japan. This venture presented unique cultural and logistical hurdles that required careful consideration and solutions. 

The primary challenge stemmed from the contrasting dining styles of the two cultures. Japanese cuisine typically features smaller portions, with individual dishes for each food item. In contrast, Saudi cuisine often utilises larger, shared plates. Our task was to create an experience that felt authentic to Saudi traditions while remaining appealing for Japanese diners. 

 Additionally, Japan's strict import laws, which mandate rigorous testing for items that come into contact with food, made importing authentic, locally made Saudi OS&E both difficult and time-consuming. To overcome this, we sourced OS&E locally in Japan, ensuring it visually honoured Saudi culinary traditions while remaining intuitive to Japanese diners. Balancing the authentic Saudi dining style with the culinary precision of Japanese cuisine required innovative solutions.  

A development process of carefully refining presentation styles and portion sizes was undertaken in close collaboration with the development chef, ensuring that the final experience remained true to Saudi's authenticity while seamlessly integrating into the Japanese dining landscape.  

This project perfectly exemplified how OS&E can bridge cultural nuances to create a memorable dining experience. It also highlighted the importance of anticipating and mitigating logistical challenges that could impact restaurant, menu, and OS&E development. Through careful planning and creative problem-solving, we were able to craft a unique dining experience that honoured both cultures.