When looking through a commercial property for
Sale list what business's size is estimated in "Covers"?

"Covers" used to be a restaurant term describing the number of diners at a table, or the number of diners able to be seated at one time in the restaurant. I have no idea if it is still used or not.

quote:

Originally posted by DorianGreyed:
I have no idea if it is still used or not.

Certainly is. Indeed, when people book tables for a group or function in England they are asked 'How many covers?' not 'How many people?'

Cover, in this sense, came into English in the early C17 and is from French couvert (still used in France). It means "the utensils laid for each person's use at table: a plate, napkin,knife, fork, spoon etc; a place setting" [OED]

Thanks, Fred. Even though I was in the business, I really didn't know why the term was used. I used to (kiddingly) tell people that it evolved from posteriors covering the upholstery on the chairs. (Over the years, I've found that you can often say almost anything and be believed if you say it with authority.)