The restaurant market is one of the most saturated in the world of hospitality, with restaurants not only up against close competitors but fast food outlets, cafes, and other eateries – all vying for the same hungry customers.
What this means is that every element of your restaurant needs to be planned and executed to the high standards, from the food you serve to the environment you create, the logistics of your business, and the reputation of your brand.
So, how do you know when it’s time for a redesign? This article aims to take you through some of the indicators that it’s time for a revamp or modern makeover.
Outdated Aesthetics
Perhaps the most obvious indicator that it’s time for a remodel or redesign is outdated aesthetics. Not only does a tired interior indicate a lack of creative flair or energy within the business, but it can also impact a potential customer’s desire to spend time and money within the establishment.
Some examples of outdated design features include the use of old branding, inconsistent finishes, and details which simply look tired.
An increasing number of restaurants are trying to bypass this issue by opting for neutral colour palettes and timeless features. However, this style of interior design and business branding needs to make sense for your restaurant and your core customers.
Wear and Tear
It is virtually impossible not to suffer from signs of wear and tear, particularly as your restaurant grows in success and footfall increases. From worn furniture to chipped paint and fittings which need updating or replacing, maintenance is a full time job in the restaurant world – not just for aesthetic purposes but for customer safety too.
There is a fine line between noticing small signs of wear that need updating and deciding to revamp your interior completely. Where this line is drawn depends on other parts of the business including budget and how ready you are for a new look.
Declining Customer Numbers
You’d be amazed at the impact a worn and tired interior setting can have on customer numbers. When a restaurant is new and fresh, the number of customers willing to try it out are often high – but over time, as the sheen of a new restaurant fades, so too does the enthusiasm of diners.
While it’s impossible to retain that perfect new sheen all the time, restaurant owners need to invest in customer retention by revamping the diner experience with events and exciting experiences, as well as fresh interiors. Seasonal menus, one-off dining events, and immersive evenings can all breathe life into the restaurant experience as well as the aesthetics.
Brand Misalignment
This one is simple: when the look of your restaurant no longer reflects your brand identity, it’s time for a refresh.
For example, if you decide to start rolling out adult-only cocktail nights and sophisticated on-site events, but your interior is geared towards families with children, then you’re looking at a non-starter. It simply won’t work, due to the misalignment between what you’re trying to sell and the environment it’s in.
Big changes to your restaurant offering and overall marketing need to be planned in line with design updates.
Functionality Issues
Taking a step away from the marketing and perception of your restaurant, there are also logistic concerns you need to think about.
In order to maintain a successful restaurant, every element of the business needs to be efficient – from the kitchen to service, the way the bar is run, and the full customer journey. If you find that your layout is inefficient for service, that you don’t have enough seating for all diners, or that your lighting is poor in customer walkways and dining spaces, then this can be enough to drive an interior revamp.
In this instance, a redesign or onsite revamp should consider how to enhance the functionality of the restaurant floor and behind the scenes areas, improving the diner experience and making the space both practical and safe for restaurant staff.
Competitor Advancements
Last but not least, if there’s one thing that indicates it’s time for a makeover in your restaurant, it’s the opening of a brand new competitor in your part of town.
Part of running a successful business is knowing who your competitors are and what they bring to the table, so that you can stay one step ahead. As we touched on earlier in this article, there is a certain level of intrigue that comes with a new opening, which existing businesses can tap into by keeping their space fresh and on-trend.
Makeover Your Restaurant – and Your Business
At Carroll Design, we work with restaurants and other hospitality businesses that are keen to update, refresh, or completely redesign their restaurant interior. From modern dining spaces to functional and well-thought-out behind the scenes food prep and bar areas, we know what works and can work with your team to understand your needs and bring them to life.