It’s not only good food and good service that make a restaurant successful. The architecture of a restaurant is often a make-or-break factor, especially for new restaurants that don’t have a reputation to depend on. In fact, the overall ambience of a restaurant is a major reason why customers stay longer and keep coming back for more.

If they enjoy how they feel on your premises, that alone may be a good enough reason for them to order one more item and eventually pay another visit. Design clearly matters, so if you’re in the process of giving your restaurant an overhaul, here are five essential tips to help you do it right.

The Kitchen

Before we get into the part of a restaurant your customers see, it’s worth noting what makes an efficient and successful kitchen. Aesthetics don’t matter as much here, especially if your kitchen is out of sight from customers. Instead, you should focus on maximizing the functionality of this important space.

Pick a layout that allows your employees to seamlessly flow from one task to another. The faster you can prepare your food, the happier your customers will be. In a similar light, investing in components like bespoke cold rooms can help you make the most out of limited space. Fridge Freezer Direct is a leader in this sector, so be sure to check them out. 

Lighting

Nobody likes a noisy restaurant. Using warm lighting encourages soft conversation, as well as increasing appetite and if used right, can enhance your furniture. The right type of lighting can also hide flaws, while bright lighting outside can grab the attention of passersby. 

Colour

There’s a reason why successful restaurants stick to their colour schemes. Colours evoke psychological reactions that can affect everything from how long your customers stay to what they order, and whether they’ll visit your restaurant in the first place. Do you want your customers to feel relaxed? Or should they be excited? 

Either way, your choice of colours will determine that to an extent as well. If your restaurant space is a little cramped, you can use colour to make it appear larger. It would be wise to spend some time researching the psychological effects of colour, specifically in the restaurant industry.

Music

Studies have shown that music in restaurants can improve customers’ appetites, give the establishment a better image, and even make employees happier. Rock music increases order quantities in pizzerias. Classical music is best suited for romantic dinners, while symphonic music stimulates appetites in fine dining settings. 

Dining Elements

Everything your customers see and touch will give them a certain impression of your restaurant. Plastic cutlery will make them feel like they’re eating cheap, flimsy food. Heavy silverware obviously has the opposite effect. Sturdy furniture is a must, but you don’t need to spend thousands on expensive leather chairs that’ll be cut and torn in a few years anyway.

Other important components to consider include aroma, employee uniforms, restrooms and menu design. Be sure to brush up on your knowledge of what makes these components driving factors to your success.