Custom Restaurant Tableware: The PostBoy Story
Project at a Glance:
Client: PostBoy Restaurant, New Buffalo, Michigan
Volume: 3,300 pieces of custom restaurant tableware
Timeline: May–October 2024
Custom Development: Signature "PostBoy Teal" glaze
Product Types: Dinner Plates, Appetizer Plates, Morsel Plates, Tasting Bowls, Basso Bowls, 12’ Platters, Ramekins
Materials: Restaurant-grade porcelain, dishwasher and microwave-safe
Earlier this week we released our latest Last Drop Limited Edition glaze, PostBoy Teal. This custom color was developed exclusively for PostBoy, a beautifully designed 'global new American' restaurant in downtown New Buffalo, Michigan, for which we had the great fortune of creating their complete restaurant tableware collection.
In the world of fine dining, every detail matters—including the restaurant tableware itself. For establishments striving for a unique identity, selecting the right custom dinnerware is as crucial as sourcing the finest ingredients. The plates, bowls, and serving pieces aren't just functional objects; they're part of the dining experience. It's a truth beautifully embodied by our collaboration with PostBoy, where every element of tableware was considered and tailored to their impeccable vision.
Here's the story of our year-long collaboration creating 3,300 pieces of custom restaurant porcelain.
Finding the Right Restaurant Tableware Partner (May 2024)
It was at the Utility Trade Show in Chicago that our paths first crossed with the PostBoy team. Partners Chef James Galbraith and Ben Holland arrived with a clear objective: to find custom restaurant tableware that not only resonated with their restaurant's distinctive aesthetic but also possessed the durability required for a professional kitchen.
As they explored our collection, there was an immediate recognition of shared values: a deep appreciation for quality, thoughtful design, and the impact of beautiful restaurant dinnerware on the dining experience. We believe tableware is not merely a backdrop; it frames the food, enhances its colors and textures, and communicates a commitment to quality that extends to every element of the guest experience.
This initial meeting laid the groundwork for a collaboration built on shared values and a mutual commitment to exceptional hospitality tableware.
Bringing the Vision to Life: Studio Visit (July 2024)
The connection forged at the trade show quickly led to the next crucial step: a visit by the PostBoy team to our Myrth Ceramics studio in Providence, Rhode Island, in July 2024, just as we begin production of their tableware collection. This was more than just a follow-up; it was an immersive journey into our world of design and craft.
During their visit, the PostBoy team gained firsthand insight into the intricate creative process behind every Myrth piece. They observed as we demonstrated the jigger and spray glazing, witnessing the meticulous steps involved in transforming raw clay into the refined porcelain that would one day live in their kitchen. We even had a chance to get Chef James on the pottery wheel for an impromptu lesson in hand-throwing!
Discussions flowed freely, moving beyond general aesthetics to delve into PostBoy's specific operational needs, their new brand identity, and the precise ambiance they envisioned for their dining space. We explored how different forms and finishes could frame James’ dishes and specific platings, how the weight and feel of a bowl could enhance a guest's interaction, and how the overall collection could contribute to a cohesive and memorable atmosphere. This studio visit was instrumental in cementing the partnership, transforming an initial shared vision into a tangible plan.
Creating a Custom Restaurant Glaze: "PostBoy Teal"
One of the most exciting and defining aspects of the Myrth and PostBoy collaboration was the development of a bespoke vibrant turquoise glaze, now affectionately known as "PostBoy Teal."
In an era where dining is as much about experience as it is about cuisine, every design element plays a critical role in shaping a restaurant's unique identity. Tableware, often overlooked or sadly just plain white, holds immense power as a branding tool. A custom color or a unique form can instantly distinguish an establishment, creating an unforgettable visual signature that speaks volumes about the team’s attention to detail and ultimately an immersive and memorable meal.
Creating a custom glaze is both a significant challenge and an exhilarating creative endeavor, demanding a deep understanding of chemistry and materials, along with an iterative approach to design. At Myrth, our glazes are not simply selected; they are meticulously created in-house from proprietary scratch recipes, a process where the art of color theory converges with the science of material composition – it’s pure chemistry! For "PostBoy Teal," this meant embarking on a rigorous journey of experimentation and refinement, an opportunity to truly flex our craft and translate James’ and Ben’s vision for their restaurant’s feel into a tangible, functional work of art.
Glaze test tiles, each with a unique recipe and color profile.
Inspired by PostBoy's brand palette and the desired mood for their restaurant, we began countless trials. Pigments were carefully mixed, ratios adjusted, and numerous test tiles were fired in our kilns. Each iteration was scrutinized for its precise hue, saturation, translucency, and how it would interact with light and food. Our goal was to achieve a consistent, vibrant teal that perfectly balanced blue and green undertones, a color that would not only complement PostBoy’s culinary creations but also resonate deeply with its brand identity and interior furnishing. This meticulous precision in glaze development ensures that "PostBoy Teal" is more than just a color; it's a reflection of PostBoy's unique character and an integral part of their distinguished dining experience.
The Complete Collection: 3,300 Pieces of Custom Restaurant Porcelain
The sheer scope of the project was impressive: approximately 3300 individual pieces of tableware spread across two deliveries. This comprehensive collection included a diverse array of forms, from Morsel Plates as share plates to start the meal to Dinner Plates that serve as the primary canvas for main dishes, versatile Appetizer Plates, shallow Basso bowls ideal for noodles or salads, smaller Tasting Bowls, 12” Oval Serving Platters designed for family-style presentation, and even Ramekins for accompanying sauces. Each piece, regardless of its size or function, had to adhere to the same exacting standards of durability, aesthetic consistency, and elegant finish that define Myrth.
Custom Myrth restaurant dinnerware at PostBoy
Producing a custom order of this magnitude, while preserving the integrity of our handmade process, presented both significant challenges and rewarding triumphs. It necessitated meticulous production planning from the jump to optimize production of each product in master batches, all through the heat of high summer. From the initial clay preparation and precise molding to the delicate glazing and final high-temperature firing, our team worked tirelessly. The satisfaction of seeing the collection grow, piece by piece, each one a true testament to Myrth's craftsmanship and PostBoy's vision, was immense.
Restaurant Tableware as Design Partnership
For us, bringing PostBoy's specific and ambitious vision to life has been a source of immense pride and satisfaction. This project perfectly encapsulates our core mission: to create durable, beautiful porcelain that not only meets the rigorous demands of professional kitchens but also makes the dining experience mirthful. It beautifully illustrates the symbiotic relationship between designer and restaurateur, where each collaborator’s dedication to their craft elevates the other's output. We don't see our studio as just a manufacturer; we see ourselves as creative partners in design, united by exceptional craft and a desire to create truly extraordinary dining experiences.
Looking for Custom Restaurant Tableware?
PostBoy's story could be your story. We create custom restaurant dinnerware for fine dining establishments, hotels, and hospitality businesses nationwide. From custom glaze development to complete tableware collections, we partner with chefs and designers to create distinctive dining experiences.
Our restaurant-grade porcelain is:
Engineered for professional kitchen durability
Dishwasher and microwave-safe
Handcrafted in Providence, Rhode Island
Available in custom colors and forms
Proven in demanding restaurant environments
Ready to create your signature tableware collection?
Explore Our Hospitality Program | Request Complimentary Samples
Bring Home a Piece of the Collaboration
When we create custom colors for restaurant clients, we often have a small overage of glaze. Instead of discarding it, we offer these limited edition colors to our retail customers until the buckets are empty, our Last Drop collection. The PostBoy Teal Last Drop sold out in July 2025, but you can see future Last Drop releases in our shop.
While this project represents a significant milestone for Myrth, it also opens exciting new avenues for future hospitality collaborations and custom projects. We are continuously inspired to push the boundaries of what's possible in professional tableware, and excited to find collaborators that share our love of beautiful objects that create a moving dining experience.
For more information on outfitting your restaurant, cafe, hotel, or boutique hospitality business with Myrth please email us at trade@myrth.us or click the link below.