For most full-service restaurants, linen service runs $150–$900 per month all-in, driven by seat count, service days, and how much of the kitchen program you rent. Here’s how that breaks down.
Typical weekly rental rates
Published industry ranges — actual quotes vary by market, volume, and route density. Treat these as sanity checks, not promises.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Napkins | $0.08 – $0.25 each |
| Tablecloths | $0.75 – $2.00 each |
| Kitchen towels / bar mops | $0.30 – $0.60 each |
| Aprons | $0.75 – $1.75 each |
| Chef coats | $1.50 – $3.50 each |
| Entrance mats | $3 – $12 per mat per week |
Ranges only go so far — your zip code sets the real price.
What actually moves your price
- Volume. Dense weekly volume earns better per-item pricing; tiny orders carry minimums.
- Route density. If trucks already run your street, you pay less. City-center restaurants usually beat rural ones.
- Linen quality. Standard poly-cotton vs premium weights can move table linen costs 30-50%.
- Service days. Twice-weekly delivery costs more than weekly, but less than double.
Watch the contract, not just the rate
The per-item rate is the headline; the money hides in loss & damage billing, delivery and fuel fees, minimums, and automatic escalators. Our guide to contract questions covers what to pin down before signing.
Common questions
How much does linen service cost for a small restaurant?
A 40-60 seat restaurant renting napkins, kitchen towels, and aprons typically lands in the $150–$400/month range; adding tablecloths pushes higher.
Is renting cheaper than buying?
Usually yes once you count laundering, replacement, and labor — see our renting-vs-buying breakdown on the blog.