Opening a new restaurant can be an exciting, if daunting, task. It is important to get things right to give yourself the best chance of success. It can be challenging to make a restaurant profitable, so you will need to pull out all the stops and consider all elements of the business and launch.
One of the most important things your restaurant needs – aside from excellent food – is a consistent and appealing aesthetic. This article will explore some key ways to get your restaurant aesthetic right.
Get The Menu Right
Choose a menu style that is easy to read, uncrowded and enjoyable to look at. Avoid making the font too small or too difficult to read. Look at menus from other restaurants to help you decide what you want. Avoid copying but take inspiration from others.
Decide On A Theme
Choose a theme that gives your restaurant an overarching aesthetic and plan. Be as pointed or subtle with your theme as you like. Decide on the level of formality you want for your restaurant.
Know Your Customers
Base your aesthetic around the customers you hope to attract. For instance, make it brightly colored and playful if families with young children are your target customers. Choose softer lighting and romantic décor if you want to attract young couples. Avoid trying to appeal to too many customers at once. Settle on a niche and serve it well.
Make Use Of All The Space
Plan the layout to make most of the space. Have bespoke storage and furniture made to make the most of unusually shaped areas.
Hire An Interior Designer
Get professional help designing your restaurant interior. Choose a reputable and experienced interior design company. Ensure they have experience with commercial interior design and specifically for restaurants.
An excellent example of what to look for is J. Fisher Interiors, a commercial interior design company based in Austin, Texas. They have the knowledge and skills to ensure your restaurant looks incredible.
Look At Your Competitors
Take inspiration from the interior design of your competitors. Consider which interiors customers rave about in reviews and see how to incorporate similar elements to your own without copying. Visit multiple restaurants and make a mental note of what you like and dislike.
Be Consistent
Keep your interior design consistent. Avoid mashing up too many different styles. Choose a color scheme to work with.
Keep It Simple
Avoid overstuffing the interior with décor and ornaments. If in doubt, choose less rather than more. Start with a minimalist interior and build on it over time.
Make Everything Instagram-Ready
Making your restaurant Instagram-ready will generate customer-made content for your business. Ensure the décor will look incredible in photos and encourage customers to share their pictures. Create a hashtag for your restaurant and include it in all the branding and menus.
Get The Lighting Right
Ensure the lighting is bright enough for customers to see but not so bright that it removes any feeling of privacy and intimacy from the space. Change the lighting during afternoons and evenings to cater for the different needs of customers throughout the day.
