As a restaurant owner, you know that the design of your establishment can make or break your business. Along with food, people love a restaurant’s ambiance. The last thing your customer wants in your restaurant is encountering a cockroach when enjoying their meal or being in a noisy or crowded space.
Keeping these aspects in mind, and with so many design options available, it can be difficult to know which ones are best for your customers and your bottom line. This article discusses five common design mistakes that can lead to lost customers and decreased profits.
Not Considering the Traffic Flow
You want your customers to move around easily and without obstruction. If tables are too close together, it can create a bottleneck and make it difficult for servers to navigate. It can also make it hard for customers to get in and out. Another common mistake is having the kitchen too close to the dining area. This can create a lot of heat and smoke, which is not appealing to customers.
What to do: Think about how customers will navigate through the space. There should be a clear path from the entrance to the exit. The kitchen should be located in a separate area away from the dining room. Focus on providing an impeccable customer experience.
Not Having Enough Seating
This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often restaurants don’t have enough seating. Not only do you want to accommodate your current customers, but you also need to think about potential growth. If you’re expecting a rush of customers and don’t have enough space, they’ll end up waiting outside or going to a competitor.
What to do: Make sure you have enough space for everyone who wants to eat at your restaurant. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and have more seating than you think you need. You can consider various seating options like booths, bar stools, and tables.
Ignoring The Acoustics
No one wants to eat in a place that’s too loud. It’s difficult to carry on a conversation and can be frustrating for customers. A noisy environment could also mean people with high blood pressure and noise sensitivity will steer clear of your place, so you might want to address this situation.
What to do:
- Use materials that absorb sound, like carpets and drapes.
- Try to avoid hard surfaces, like tile and wood.
- Make sure the music level is appropriate and not too loud.
Choosing the Wrong Lighting
Lights are mood setters. Too bright, and it can be harsh and unflattering. Too dark, and it can be uninviting. You also want to make sure the lighting is consistent throughout the space.
What to do:
- Use light fixtures that emit a soft glow.
- Place them at different heights to create ambiance.
- Avoid using fluorescent lighting, which can be harsh and unflattering.
Not Getting Your Space Built By a Reputed Contractor
A good construction contractor will understand your vision and help you bring it to life. They’ll also be able to advise you on the best materials and finishes for your space.
What to do: Do your research and find a contractor with experience in restaurant construction. Meet with several contractors and get proposals before making a decision.
Conclusion
Designing a restaurant can be tricky. There are so many things to consider, from traffic flow to acoustics. If you’re not careful, you could end up making the above-listed mistakes that will cost you money and potential customers. So, make sure you keep the above tips in mind and design a space people will love!
