The Refinishing Touch Blog

If you're in the hospitality trade then you likely already know about the pineapple, but as The Refinishing Touch has learned over its years working with the hospitality industry, the pineapple is an important symbol. For those outside the industry, we thought it would be fun to share a little background on the pineapple's involvement with hospitality.

It started back in the days of the early American colonies; sea captains were notorious for leaving for extended periods, venturing off to exotic islands in search of something grand. They left their homes and families to visit the Caribbean and gather foreign rum, spices, and of course, pineapple, along with other fruits.

As the legend goes, when upon returning home from their various sea journeys, they would lance a pineapple to their fence post, inviting the town into the Captain's home. The villagers would arrive with hopes of good stories, good rum, and exotic gifts. Consequently, the pineapple became a representation of the Captain's hospitality.

Tradition became practice and the symbol of the pineapple still exists in today's hospitality industry. The pineapple remains a welcoming symbol, one you might even see at your next hotel visit.

Labels: Hospitality