subject: Some Considerations On Restaurant Design And Atmosphere [print this page] The restaurant business is one of many challenges, as well as rewards. If you are reading this article, the assumption is made that you already have a strong understanding of the restaurant business, food preparation, and business in general. You are reading this because you want help in deciding how to create best atmosphere. Gone are the days when all you need to worry about is the menu. Today, eating out is an experience. Your customers will pay you just as much for the environment of your restaurant as they will for the meal.
First, make sure that the entrance to your restaurant is easily visible and inviting. If people do not know where to park, or how to enter, they won't. Try to incorporate some of the interior atmosphere on the exterior. That way your guests will not have unmatched expectations when they enter. Others who might not have ever come to your restaurant will be more likely to take notice. Make sure the landscaping outside is immaculate and the outdoor lighting is good.
Customers expect restaurants to be colorful. Whether your restaurant will have more of the home cooked feel, or the authentic Italian cuisine, you will want the colors to speak accordingly. Try and avoid plain colors like white, and don't be afraid to mix things up every year or so to keep things fresh.
Lighting is huge. You will notice the every successful restaurant puts a large emphasis on lighting. Every area that is lit, should be lit for a reason. Every shadow should be purposefully placed. Some lighting may not do anything but accent the architecture.
There are many things you can do to make your restaurant unique, and memorable. Consider a unique wall texture, custom artwork, unique flooring. The right furniture for the atmosphere is important as well. Utilize as many senses and possible. Taste is a natural sense use in the restaurant business, and we have just discussed sight. A properly place hot food display can get restaurant hoppers to stay. Smell seems obvious at first, but needs further attention. Does your restaurant smell like a greasy kitchen, or does it smell like a fresh Italian vineyard.
Live plants can certainly help. Climate control should work perfectly. The music needs to match the environment, offend no one, and be at the perfect volume. If the music is too loud, it will annoy your customers. If it is too soft, your customers will be uncomfortable talking in their normal voice for fear that others are listening in on their conversation.
Consider your customers comfort zone. They are most likely not interested in meeting new people or listening in on their conversations. Partitions can be built to give customers more dining privacy.
