The complete restaurant experience includes the way things look. From the tiles on the floor to the lights on the ceiling, every single detail of your establishment contributes to the satisfaction of the customer. While it is understandable that the build is a big deal, rushing into things without a solid architectural plan would be something to regret in the future. Here are some of the most common rookie mistakes to steer clear of.
5 Restaurant Design Mistakes to Avoid
1. No Elbow Room
The last thing you want is an overcrowded restaurant. Being in a place that is overstuffed is suffocating and not fun to work in for your staff. Your seating plan should allow customers to move around. Chairs and tables should at least be three feet apart from each other. There should be some good seats by the window and just a couple of them outside.
And of course, there is no need to put an extra set of tables and chairs by the bathroom or near the kitchen. These are spots that people dub as the worst seats to get.
2. No Proper Flow for Service
When coming up with the floor plan, think practically. How big of a kitchen do you need? How far away is the kitchen from the farthest chair? What are the possible routes servers take to get there? These are just some questions that need to be answered for better service.
3. Poor Space Management
Make room for the kitchen too! While the elegant designs upfront need to capture the attention of people who come in, a lot of the magic happens in the kitchen. Give your chef and staff enough space to feed as many people as you can serve.
4. Poor Ventilation System
Usually, the smell of a kitchen can be enticing for some people more than others. But in a commercial kitchen where five things are cooking at the same time, the smells may form together and produce something foul or confusing to customers.
You should always incorporate a ventilation system that requires more than just opening a window. With proper ventilation, the smells won’t reach customers, no smoke will poke through the chef’s kitchen window, and your staff won’t feel suffocated.
5. Bad Lighting
Lighting is essential in any restaurant. Lights invite people into space, create a pleasant dining atmosphere, and set the mood for an entire meal. Combining natural and artificial lighting can enhance the experience even further.
For an added touch of elegance and sophistication, consider getting custom lighting that can blend right into your restaurant’s overall mood and vibe.
Conclusion
The ambiance of your restaurant is a big part of the reason people come to dine in. No matter how good the food or service is, people won’t come back when there are broken fixtures or unpleasant seating arrangements. Keeping these important factors in mind when designing your restaurant can help drive in more customers and build the perfect setting for your business.
One way to make your establishment stand out is through the power of custom restaurant lighting. PTY Custom Lighting has stamped its name in the custom lighting industry since 2011. Let the power duo of Joe and Kenia Espinosa create one-of-a-kind lighting to make your restaurant come to life. Check out our portfolio today!
