According to Jeff Richards, retail dinnerware marketers are cost driven to the detriment of the American kitchen. "The Super-marts of the world have cheapened the dinnerware experience by focusing on price instead of quality and functionality." Richards said. His company, J. Richards & Company, is about to create a revolution of sorts in the American Kitchen.

With 20 years experience in the restaurant dinnerware industry, together with growing up in Western Pennsylvania’s pottery district, Richards is well qualified for his mission. His company touts the benefits of vitrified restaurant dinnerware over store bought dinnerware sets.

Restaurant dinnerware is vitrified, which means that is doesn’t absorb moisture unlike cheap store sets. Richards says "If the ware isn’t vitrified, it contains tiny air pockets that expand and contract at a different rate than the body, weakening it over time. That’s why it isn’t durable."

Vitrified dinnerware is very durable and is by far, the number one choice of restaurants and banquet centers. Vitrified dinnerware is freezer to oven safe, dishwasher safe, and microwave safe.

Another major benefit to restaurant dinnerware for the home, is that there are many, many shapes available. Richards’ website bythepiece.com, allows the buyer to select shapes and quantities based on their entertaining and lifestyles... a truly unique experience.

To Jeff Richards, all of this makes perfect sense. He adds; "Growing up in New Castle, PA... almost every family used Shenango China restaurant dinnerware that was available at the local outlet. After 50 years, that same dinnerware is still in use at my mother’s house... now that’s durability!"