For many, the mere thought of designing a restaurant is daunting at best. With so many things to consider, like furniture, layout, flooring, lighting, tables, chairs and even art work, it can be easy to overlook some aspects which could affect the look, feel and energy of the space. Designs need to be well thought out, so read these tips to help your restaurant reach its potential.
Your layout is key
The layout of your restaurant is integral to ensure it functions efficiently. How you design your layout is going to determine how much your customers and staff members interact. Whilst customer interaction is a large part of foodservice, a romantic dinner for two isn't an invitation for a waiter to become a third wheel.
The floor plan needs to cater for staff movement and circulation; this will ensure your food servers can operate as efficiently as possible, and minimise mishaps, like a run-in with a patron who really doesn't want to wear your signature dish.
You need to make sure there is enough room for your desired restaurant capacity, and enough breathing space between tables. If your space is small, think about the positioning of your main counter, which may be designed to enhance a confined space.
Your interiors should tell your story
When you went into business, you would have had a vision about who you are, what your food represents, and who you are trying to appeal to. Think back to that original concept and how it will appeal to your desired audience.
Is your food organic? Maybe a clean eco-friendly space with plenty of greenery is your best bet. Is your restaurant on the city fringe? Industrial lighting, Scandi inspired furniture and bold artworks against white walls may appeal to your clientele. If your menu contains strong links to ethnic cuisine, then your interior should provide a matching atmosphere.
If you are appealing to a wide variety of people, then play it safe by combining tradition and standard designs with just a touch of your own uniqueness. If you have a clear idea of who you are, and your food and space reflects that, then you're likely to succeed and separate yourself from the competition.
Window displays will attract people to your door
I was once told to avoid any restaurant that has a discoloured laminated menu Blu Tacked to its front window and door, and turns out this is sage advice.
Window displays in restaurants are completely underrated. Passers by who weren't planning on eating at your restaurant may be enticed by a pleasing display. A window display is the first thing people see when they walk by or arrive, and a unique and eye-catching display is more likely to pique their curiosity.
Window displays shouldn't be cluttered - if they're open, it gives people a chance to see what your restaurant is like inside. Simple lighting, a large bouquet of flowers, or a simple branch of magnolia in a blown glass vase is striking enough to get people to take notice.
Adorning your space shouldn't be an afterthought
How you choose to decorate your restaurant is directly related to your chosen identity. As soon as you decide on your theme and how your fittings will relate to that, you should enhance your space with complimenting artworks and features.
If your restaurant has an industrial feel, then include some distinctive features like a rough brick wall. If you're selling wholefood dishes made with produce from local farmers, then old wooden carts filled with vegetables and fruit make for an aesthetically pleasing counter display. The same theory applies to artworks, you wouldn't put an impressionist painting in a white, clean and sterile space, when an abstract piece might be a bit more appropriate.
If you're not sure, talk to an expert
When starting a restaurant, people who are new to the game can easily make the mistake of calling on amateurs to assist with their design.
Whether you are calling a carpenter, interior designer, or tiler to help you with your fit-out, make sure you call the best. Calling on quality tradespeople from the get-go will save you, and cutting corners with cheaper services could cost you an arm and a leg in the long run.
You might find your budget will be on the verge of blowing-out by hiring experienced and qualified tradies, but it's absolutely worth it to avoid issues down the track, meaning you will be happier with the outcome.
Great food and great hospitality interiors are a match made in heaven; the right fit-out can increase exposure. The number of people searching for restaurants on online platforms is increasing, and no matter how fabulous your menu is, a photo of a dull space is enough to drive potential diners away.
Think about the number of people who get snap happy on platforms like Instagram when they head out for a meal; the more people share photos of your restaurant, the more others are going to take notice.
It therefore pays to ensure your restaurant's design is on point.
