Functionality trumps aesthetics in successful restaurants
The approach to restaurant design can vary greatly depending on concept, cuisine and budget, but one area is paramount regardless of aesthetic design. Your restaurant must function smoothly, otherwise unreasonable delays and problems will arise. This may mean, among other things, that you need a specific area where your customers can place their takeout orders. Also, be sure to allow easy access to the restrooms and outdoor dining areas. Your tables must not be so close together so that your service staff and your customers can move freely. The storage of wheelchairs, walking aids and other aids is also essential.
Storage space: An often overlooked aspect of restaurant design
Restaurant design affects all areas of your restaurant in two ways: it appeals to your customers' aesthetic preferences and it creates efficient processes that make cooking, serving and paying for orders easier. But aesthetic concerns must not override efficient functionality. For example, a clean, uncluttered dining area with a central focal point is desirable, but you also need storage for ingredients, glasses, cutlery, takeout supplies, high chairs, and extra seating. A beautiful curved wall or a central aquarium might be an ideal focal point, encouraging customers to take and share selfies, but any feature could hinder customers and waiters by preventing the efficient,
Storage is critical to both front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house design. You could also clear paths from the loading dock to the storage rooms. If you store everything in the basement or on an upper floor, it would be advisable to invest in installing a freight elevator.
Problems with functional design of restaurants
A common problem is that there are certain areas or tables where nobody wants to sit. You can fix this problem before you open your restaurant by sitting at each table and checking the view. If a table is too close to kitchen traffic or does not have a view of other guests, adjustments may be needed. The comfort of your guests is crucial, so it may even be necessary to create multiple dining areas that appeal to different types of customers - such as those who prefer intimate dining and those who like to interact in large groups. The details of your design depend on your concept, which can fall into one of the following categories:
Fast food
Casual
Fast and easy
Fine dining
Modern
Restaurant with pub
Neighborhood bar and grill
Inside Outside
cafes and bistros
fusion cuisine
For example, it's clear that a fusion cuisine restaurant would likely use design elements from both cuisines. Indoor/outdoor restaurants can design a space that allows easy access between both areas. Separate operator stations can reduce waiter walking back and forth. When designing for functionality, there are several critical areas to consider. This includes:
The bar and waiting area
entrances and cloakroom areas
main dining area
Dedicated areas for dining, such as rooms for group meetings, buffets, and private rooms
operator stations
kitchen design
Areas for submitting orders
Some restaurants are now offering certain take-out products at the front of the restaurant, outdoors, in vending machines, and even in nearby locations such as factories or office buildings. It is important that you design these spaces to fit your restaurant design concept.
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