There are many reasons why Sarasota is amazing, and the diversity of our restaurants is undoubtedly one of them. Strolling down Main Street, around St. Armand’s Circle, or through Burn’s Court, you can’t help but notice the many venues beckoning for you to enter and try the wide variety of cuisines. While residents can find hundreds of fantastic restaurants in every corner of our city, this presents a challenge to restaurateurs – Sarasotans love to eat out, but how can a business owner lure them to their kitchen versus all the others? When someone can choose between ten restaurants within a few city blocks, restaurant design becomes a vital component of competitive success.
Excellent food and exceptional customer service are critical to repeat business, but a restaurant’s architecture plays an important – if less prominent – role in attracting and welcoming repeat clientele. Restaurant design integrates form and function, offering an appealing ambiance and allowing for a smooth service experience that does not come across as chaotic or ill-planned.
Restaurant Design is Clientele-Driven
Each restaurant’s master plan establishes the foundation for their customers’ overall experience. A restaurant should clearly define the clientele they are hoping to attract and cater to before putting a design on paper. Those looking for an exclusive fine dining experience expect a different aesthetic and ambiance than those bringing their children out for a meal; while a bar and grille will have a different vibe than a “date night” establishment. Identifying the desired demographic is a key first step to understanding restaurant design.
Ultimately, the color palettes, lighting, furnishings, and decor will be based on the desired clientele. One caveat when choosing these items is that it is generally best to stay as classic as possible – too much “kitsch” or emphasis on the current trend may cause the restaurant to go out of style and look “dated” too quickly. Ask your commercial design architect how to capitalize on the hottest trends without designing yourself into a corner.
Creating Your Exterior Personality
The exterior design of your restaurant is what draws everyone in. Just as your interior design plan will be based on your desired branding and demographic, you’ll need to understand who you are to design an exterior that is compelling to prospective patrons passing by. Does your exterior have attractive, eye-catching signage? Is your entryway well-lit and welcoming? Will your downtown restaurant have an outdoor greeter, and if so – is their area professional and inviting? The style of your doors, windows, graphics and landscaping all play a vital role in defining the personality and quality of your restaurant before diners experience your service or cuisine.
Layout is Critical to Restaurant Design
Effective space planning is critical to a restaurant’s success. This involves far more than determining how many tables you can fit into your floor plan. It means taking into account your customer’s experience, the staff’s ability to be efficient and the safety and comfort of everyone involved – while remaining true to the desired aesthetic.
For example, the business owner must calculate the expected number of guests during peak hours when designing the main dining area. The most successful restaurants have a floor plan that can comfortably accommodate a full house while protecting their customer’s comfort. Depending on your theme or ambiance, you may want to ensure that guests:
- can move around their table easily
- can push their chair back without hitting another guest
- hold a conversation without feeling intruded upon
- walk to a restroom without crowding other guests
- avoid running into kitchen or wait staff whenever possible
While clients and staff may be moving around in the same areas, making sure they can easily pass one another without mishap is ideal.
Professional Sarasota Architects
The team at JTL Architects knows Sarasota, and they are experts in commercial and residential design. If you are a prospective restaurateur or looking to revamp and upgrade your establishment’s image, call us today.
