The restaurant industry is one of the most crowded in the entire hospitality sector, with sit-down restaurants constantly under threat from the rise of fast food outlets, food vans, cafes, and more.
Remaining successful in such a competitive business landscape means standing out for all the right reasons; something which should be approached from a branding, design, and experience angle.
In this article, we explore what restaurant owners can do to boost their business and stand out from the crowd.
Unique Interior Design
It is very difficult to come up with a truly unique restaurant concept. The diversity of the sector means that you can often find a restaurant for every cuisine and occasion already on the market – which means that in order to stand out, you need to blend a memorable experience with an unrivalled dining environment. This is where high quality restaurant interior design comes in to play.
Creating the kind of restaurant that lends itself to photo opportunities and to memorable moments is critical. There’s a reason why floating restaurants, underwater restaurants, and even the simpler outdoor dining igloos are all so popular and it’s because they’re different and memorable. Diners take photos, share the experience with friends, and boost future bookings – all thanks to the unique design and striking visual concept that the restaurant owners have come up with.
Brand Identity
Brand identity in the restaurant world is akin to storytelling – that is, marketing and selling an experience, before immersing your guests in that experience during their meal.
When creating a brand identity, cohesion throughout the marketing, the menu, and the restaurant environment is important, as is integrating your restaurant values and even your backstory. Let guests in on why the restaurant exists, what your motivation is, why you chose that cuisine, and what kind of experience you want them to enjoy.
Innovative Menu Presentation
You could have the best and most immersive restaurant environment in the world, but if the food isn’t up to scratch then your chance of success is unfortunately low.
A creative, memorable, and delicious menu is critical – with presentation just as important as taste in delivering a well-rounded and multi-sensory experience.
If you’re particularly interested in standing out from the crowd with regards to experience, it’s also worth considering the way the menu is presented and the way guests order. Digital menus and interactive ordering stations are on the rise across fast and seated dining options.
Exceptional Customer Service
This one should be an obvious point regardless of your position in the market – however, when it comes to standing out, customer service really can make or break your reputation.
Staff need to be as passionate about the restaurant and the guest experience as you are, delivering customer excellence from the moment a guest arrives through to paying the bill and exiting the restaurant. The more memorable they can make the experience, the better received every other aspect of the restaurant design will be.
Utilising Technology
Technology is something we mentioned in a previous section, relating to digital ordering and menus. But it doesn’t end there, with online reservations, smart lighting, and entertainment all playing a role in the delivery of a memorable experience for guests and diners.
If you want to present a truly modern and immersive restaurant experience, then technology will play a role – whether it be in giving guests more control over ordering and paying in their own time or enhancing the access to in-restaurant entertainment.
Ambience and Atmosphere
Colour palettes and interior décor are one thing – ambience and a welcoming atmosphere are another thing entirely.
When it comes to standing out, it’s important to balance aesthetic finishes with the way your restaurant floor is experienced. Music, lighting, and the customer journey from entrance to their table and beyond all need to be considered when it comes to making customers and guests feel welcome.
Remember, if you don’t offer a welcoming environment, the chance of diners staying – or even coming back – is low.
Community Engagement
If there’s one area of design that restaurants often overlook, it’s the role of their immediate surroundings.
Community engagement can mean many things – from connecting with other local businesses, to curating a menu that taps into local amenities and landmarks. The benefit of all of these is that it brings attention not only to your restaurant but to your location, making your eatery a must-visit amid a backdrop of other experiences.
Not to mention, supporting other businesses is good for the local economy and ensures that there are nearby hotels and other attractions to drive customers to the area.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
Finally, when talking about how to stand out from the crowd, it’s worth looking at the growing trend of sustainability and how your business can embrace eco-friendly drives. Some of the easiest to integrate into a restaurant business include sourcing local food and opting for seasonal ingredients rather than relying on ingredients that need to be shipped out of season from far-off destinations.
Create a Restaurant That Stands Out
Creating a restaurant that stands out for all the right reasons means blending the environment and interior design with your business reputation, the menu, the local area, and your business values.
Diners support restaurants that don’t just serve food they like but also deliver an experience that’s worth the price tag of a night out. In order to deliver these types of memorable experiences, it’s important to consider all the above points and factor them into your ongoing strategy – never taking your eye off the ball.