As a restaurant owner, your customers aren’t just on the hunt for a delicious meal – they’re also looking for a great dining experience.
With that in mind, your restaurant’s decor and atmosphere play a big role in creating a memorable experience for your guests. So while taking a DIY approach to your restaurant’s interior design may help you save money, it’s not without its potential drawbacks. Here’s why.
Understanding Your Audience
One of the most important aspects of restaurant design is catering to your target audience. You’ll want to know who your ideal customers are, and what their tastes, preferences, and expectations will be.
For example, if you plan on opening a steakhouse or a high-end sushi bistro, it’s fair to assume that your target audience will be looking for an atmosphere that feels refined and sophisticated. On the other hand, if you’ll be serving finger foods and pub-inspired dishes, your customers will likely want something more relaxed and laid back.
The Value of Good Design
Why is interior design important?
Think about your favourite restaurants, or which restaurants you want to draw inspiration from with your own. How do you feel when eating there? What are the small (or big) details that you notice? Was it about the space that makes you feel immersed in a particular atmosphere? In short, what’s great about it?
Your customers will be looking for these same feelings when dining at your business, so it’s important that you put some thought into the atmosphere of your establishment.
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Creating a Cohesive Space
Without a professional eye, you might end up with a mismatched or inconsistent look. If that’s what you’re aiming for, taking the design reins yourself could work. However, if you’re looking to craft a restaurant space that feels distinct and intentional, it may be worth investing in professional assistance.
One of the primary reasons to consider hiring a professional interior designer for your restaurant is their direct expertise in creating a cohesive atmosphere. They can help you transform your vision into reality, ensuring that every element of your restaurant – from the lighting and colour scheme to the furniture and decor blend together effectively. Using their specialized knowledge of design principles and current trends, they make sure your restaurant’s environment reflects your brand and keeps customers coming back.
Sorting Out the Other Details
Food establishments come in all different shapes and sizes. So, an essential part of figuring out what you’d like your restaurant to look and feel like is understanding what will be possible based on the space you have. For instance, if you’re already working with a property that has limited square footage, such as a take-out-only nook, you may be able to get away with some DIY decor.
Another thing to consider is your business model. More specifically, how much control you will have over your restaurant’s overall brand. If you choose to purchase a franchise, you’ll receive professional assistance from your franchisor to help you arrange and if needed, decorate the interior of your restaurant.
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Ask Your Broker
When it comes to designing your restaurant, if you’re not sure which path is right for you, your best bet is to ask your restaurant broker (aka your real estate agent). Why? Well a great broker doesn’t just know about the ins and outs of restaurant real estate, they’re actually well-versed in the industry as a whole. Your agent has seen hundreds of businesses get off the ground – so they know a little bit about everything when it comes to restaurant operations.
They can help you assess your space, vision, and most importantly – your budget. Combining this information with their real-world experience, they’ll point you in the right direction. If professional design guidance is what you need, they can even connect you to trustworthy local experts within their network.
In need of restaurant real estate guidance? We’ve got the specialized knowledge to help you out. Click here to get in touch with us.
