Are you ready to turn your dream of opening a restaurant into a reality? If so, you’re bound to be excited—and at least a little nervous for a new restaurant design! From securing financing to finding the right space and equipment, there’s no shortage of bases to cover. One of them is designing your eatery to optimize the experiences of customers. Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true tips you can use to make the most of your set-up!
Here are five things you can do to optimize your restaurant’s design…
1) Focus on your brand
Your brand lays the groundwork for every aesthetic decision you’ll make—including the look and feel of your restaurant’s interior. How do you want your eatery to be perceived by your target market? Will it be a laid-back cantina, a hip-yet-upscale trattoria, or a minimalist fusion hotspot?
Whatever your business’ personality, it should come through in your logo, menu, and marketing materials—and then be reflected in your space. Consider your colour palette and decor carefully to create a sense of cohesion for your new restauarant design.
2) Think about seating
It may be tempting to cram as many tables into your space as possible, but doing so is a mistake. Patrons aren’t likely to make return visits to a place where they’re not physically comfortable. For this reason, it’s important to put some thought into spacing.
Aim to leave two feet from the corner of one table and the next. Depending on the type of establishment you’re operating, you may be able to squeeze a bit more seating in comfortably. That could mean everything from small tables that attach to the wall to dividers that create a sense of space.
3) Light to boost the ambiance
Many business owners underestimate the potential impact of lighting. Whether you’re trying to create a minimalist feel or a romantic ambiance, the right illumination will be a key component. You’ll want to consider everything from your fixures to the colour and temperature of the bulbs you use.
Your best bet is to layer the three types of lighting: ambient (for overall illumination), accent (to highlight chosen focal points), and task (which helps staff and customers do things, like prepare food or read a menu). A lighting designer who has experience in the industry can help you set up your new restaurant design space to make the right impression.
4) Details matter
As you create an ambiance that’s in keeping with your brand, think about the details as well as the big picture. Old photos in antique frames could work well in a teahouse, while green plants in geometric vases can complement a hip, modern space nicely.
If the aesthetic your opting for is on the eclectic side, you may want to scour local vintage shops for one-of-a-kind artifacts and decor. On the other hand, if you feel like less is more, you might want to focus on finding the right materials, finishes, and fixtures.
5) Don’t skip the dishes
Speaking of details, your dishes and silverware can make a strong impression on diners. Whether it’s fine dining on weighty dinnerware, mismatched china at a low-key cafe, or fish and chips in a basket, the way you serve your meals should match your brand—and the food you’re serving.
Of course, creating a fantastic customer experience isn’t just about decor and dishes. It’s also about careful space planning. That means making the bathroom as welcoming as possible, reducing the number of less-desirable tables, and thinking through the patio set-up if you plan on having one during the warmer months.
READY TO FIND YOUR IDEAL RESTAURANT SPACE—AND START CARVING OUT YOUR NICHE IN THE TORONTO FOOD SCENE? REACH OUT TO LEARN HOW I CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE SMARTEST PURCHASE POSSIBLE!
