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Although Richardson Seating was founded in 1975, its history and product line goes back much further. After the end of WWII, Richardson Seating’s founder, Harry Richardson returned from active duty to his hometown of Chicago, IL. Around 1950 Harry decided to start a furniture manufacturing company. Harry recruited his brother Rueben and his father to form his family’s first bar stool and chair manufacturing company. This company (which is still in business today and a current customer of Richardson) specialized in commercial chairs and commercial bar stools for the foodservice industry. Harry sold his first company in 1973 with plans of retiring.
A few years later, Harry was not satisfied with retirement and decided to start a new commercial furniture company with his son in law Earl Lichtenstein. Harry decided to name this one after his family and called it Richardson Seating Corporation. Like its predecessor, Richardson Seating specialized in manufacturing bar stools, counter stools, and other retro diner furniture.
Richardson Seating’s first factory was located on Justine in the Fulton corridor. In 1983 Richardson Seating moved a few blocks away to its current 75,000 square foot home on Arthington Street. In 1984 Harry Richardson passed away and Harry’s son in law Earl Lichtenstein became CEO.
Earl ran Richardson for nearly 30 years before retiring and turning over the company to his two sons (and Harry’s grandsons) Ira and Scott. The two now continue to build commercial quality bar stools and chairs just like their father and grandfather before them as they grow and expand the company into new opportunities and expanded possibilities.
Richardson Seating CorporationRichardson Seating Corporation
Richardson Seating Corporation
Chicago, IL
"We design and manufacture beautifully upholstered bar stools and chairs for restaurants, clubs, hotels and bars"
Richardson Seating Corporation manufactures logo bar stools, restaurant bar stools, diner chairs, counter stools, table bases, residential furniture, and retro diner furniture. Our 75,000 square foot manufacturing plant is located in Chicago, Illinois. We are a Chicago based bar stool manufacturer. Although Richardson Seating was founded in 1975, its history and product line goes back much further. After the end of WWII, Richardson Seating’s founder, Harry Richardson returned from active duty to his hometown of Chicago, IL. Around 1950 Harry decided to start a furniture manufacturing company. Harry recruited his brother Rueben and his father to form his family’s first bar stool and chair manufacturing company. This company (which is still in business today and a current customer of Richardson) specialized in commercial chairs and commercial bar stools for the foodservice industry. Harry sold his first company in 1973 with plans of retiring.
A few years later, Harry was not satisfied with retirement and decided to start a new commercial furniture company with his son in law Earl Lichtenstein. Harry decided to name this one after his family and called it Richardson Seating Corporation. Like its predecessor, Richardson Seating specialized in manufacturing bar stools, counter stools, and other retro diner furniture.
Richardson Seating’s first factory was located on Justine in the Fulton corridor. In 1983 Richardson Seating moved a few blocks away to its current 75,000 square foot home on Arthington Street. In 1984 Harry Richardson passed away and Harry’s son in law Earl Lichtenstein became CEO.
Earl ran Richardson for nearly 30 years before retiring and turning over the company to his two sons (and Harry’s grandsons) Ira and Scott. The two now continue to build commercial quality bar stools and chairs just like their father and grandfather before them as they grow and expand the company into new opportunities and expanded possibilities.
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Q&A
How do your pieces come to life? Tell us one interesting thing about your creative process?
"Every single thing is done one at a time by hand. There are a lot of steps in making our high end bar stools. It takes a long time to develop the skills and strength to properly pull the vinyl. We try to pull everything very tight to avoid wrinkles."
Richardson Seating CorporationQ&A
What do you want people to do or feel when they encounter your creations?
"I want people to look at the sewing and the upholstery work and wonder how we did that so well. Our button tufting and nail head trim is best in class."
Richardson Seating Corporation