Restaurant Design Tips // From Simmer’s Architecture & Interiors Division

May 28

As a restaurant owner or operator, your livelihood hinges on your ability to entice patrons to walk through your front door and return time after time. In order to achieve this goal, you have to remain a step ahead of your competitors at all times. One of the best ways to maintain your competitive edge is to remain abreast of the latest hospitality design movements. Below is a look at the top 10 restaurant design trends and how they can help your restaurant prosper.

1) SENSATIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA SURROUNDINGS

"Some entrepreneurs are...designing their physical spaces in the hopes of inspiring the maximum number of photos. They're commissioning neon signs bearing modestly sly double entendres, painting elaborate murals of tropical wildlife, and embedding floor tiles with branded greetings — all in the hopes that their guests will post them." - Casey Newton, Silicon Valley News Editor, The Verge

Nearly 80% of Americans use social media to engage with friends, family, and the world. And with 40% of social media users take photos while dining in restaurants, restaurant designers are taking measures to ensure that their dining areas will look stellar on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

This trend has caused some restaurants to abandon the dark, dim lighting that were once popular in many restaurants in the 20th century and early 2000s. Today's restaurants are more apt to be airy and well-lit to produce photos that will look great on Instagram and Facebook Here are some of the ways that restaurant aficionados are creating social media-ready restaurant environments:

Creative use of lighting such as suspended pendant lighting and decorative wall sconces
Decorative wallpaper with vivid images and scenery
Bright, neon colors throughout the restaurant's interior and exterior
Artfully designed dishes and imaginative food presentation

2) AUTOMATED ORDERING STATIONS

QSR design is constantly evolving to reflect the changing needs of diners. Today's busy consumers have little time or desire to stand in line or wait for an extended time period for their orders. Restaurant owners and fast casual design specialists are responding to customer demand by offering self-ordering kiosks in addition to tableside ordering. Introducing automation helps restaurants bolster efficiency while increasing order accuracy, as customers become responsible for outlining their own food preferences.

3) EXPANDED OUTDOOR SEATING

"No matter what kind of establishment you run, a simple deck or patio can increase revenue by up to 30 percent. Additional research by the Simons Advisory Group proved that a $200,000 investment increased overall sales by $500,000 — possibly more if your restaurant offers year-round outdoor seating." - Jeff Caldwell, Superior Shade

Studies of the most popular bars and restaurants in the United States show that 73% offer some type of outdoor seating, up from 63% in 2013. As more restaurant owners discover that outdoor dining options can boost profits, this trend is expected to continue.

Not only has outdoor seating increased, but the types of outdoor seating have expanded to reflect the type of ambiance that their target market seeks. Here are some of the ways that outdoor seating has evolved over the years:

Rooftop bars
Garden dining
Sidewalk seating
Beer gardens

4) COMMUNAL DINING

Communal dining is a restaurant trend that is on the rise in the United States, South Africa, and other countries across the globe. This trend is especially popular in cities where the culture tends to be open and people enjoy engaging with one another. In addition to building a sense of community, it helps boost profits for restaurants because they are able to accommodate a larger number of guests.

5) A PET-FRIENDLY LAYOUT

68% of American households now include at least one pet, up from 56% in 1988. And growing number of these pet owners cannot bear the thought of spending time away from their beloved four-legged family members. In fact, results of a recent survey by Go Pet Friendly show that the majority of pet owners take their pets with them in the car more than six times a month.

Restaurant owners across the globe are responding to this trend by designing restaurants that welcome two-legged and four-legged diners alike. A look at some of the top dog-friendly restaurants worldwide shows how the restaurant world is evolving to entice dog owners to become repeat patrons. Here are some features of pet-friendly restaurants:

Pet patios: Because restaurant owners recognize that not all patrons like animals, they have a designated "pet patio" for diners with dogs
Pet menus: Restaurants such as Ray's and Stark Bar in Los Angeles offer a "Man's Best Friend" menu with pizzas, chicken dishes, and cookies
Expanded decks: Many coastal pet-friendly restaurants have expansive decks designed specifically to accommodate dogs of all sizes
Free gifts: Pet owners dining at Del Frisco's Grille in New York receive a complimentary Del Frisco's Frisbee which doubles as a water dish

6) SPACE SHARING

Business owners worldwide are choosing to enhance their work environments with cafes, restaurants, and diners. The arrangement enables employees and visitors to enjoy food and beverages without having to leave the workplace to eat. Onsite workers can spend more time enjoying their meals because they do not have to use a large portion of their lunch hour driving to and from an offsite restaurant. Examples of some of the most common types of businesses that are introducing restaurants include large retail stores, banks, medical practices, and call centers.

7) ENERGY-EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION

"...An upfront investment of 2% in green building design, on average, results in life cycle savings of 20% of the total construction costs – more than 10 times the initial investment. LEED certification has also been shown to reduce operating costs by an average of 13.6% for new construction projects and 8.6% for existing building projects." - Liz Campbell, Food Service Society Consultants International (FCSI)

Designing an energy efficient restaurant will produce significant long-term savings and a reduction in operating costs. There are many ways to boost energy efficiency, such as installation of LED lighting, induction cookers, and smart thermostats that can be programmed to minimize energy usage. High efficiency ovens, fryers, and ice machines can also help minimize energy usage, as do solar panels, which have helped restaurants such as Sonic save $400 per month.

8) BOLD, COLORFUL PALETTES

The soft pastel colors of yesterday's restaurants are gradually being replaced with bold, vivid hues. Royal blue, deep red, and emerald green are examples of popular accent colors that can be found in newly designed restaurants. From painted ceiling trim and beams to brightly colored upholstery, bold colors are making their mark on today's restaurant industry. Some designers are even covering entire walls and ceilings with a bright coat of paint to make a strong statement to patrons.

9) FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANTS

"Smallhold in New York is selling subscription-supported mini-farms to grow mushrooms. The company has created mini shelf-sized units that can be installed on site at restaurants...Smallhold serves as the nursery to get the mushrooms started and then growing is completed at the restaurant." - Lisa Jennings, Restaurant Hospitality

The farm-to-table movement has officially permeated the restaurant industry and is transforming eateries across the globe. Restaurant owners are taking note of the savings they can enjoy by growing their own produce or sourcing produce and meat from local suppliers.

In some cases, restaurants are even growing their own produce onsite, satisfying patrons' desire to enjoy a unique eating environment and also support locally owned businesses. For example, some are adding green roofs where flowers and fresh herbs can be grown. The same staff who grow and nurture herbs and produce can help wash, prepare, and serve it to patrons for optimal convenience and efficiency.

10) SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS

Reducing waste and preserving our environment are top priorities for restaurant owners and patrons alike. In fact, there are some consumers who make their restaurant selections based on the owner's selection of sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices. Here are some ways that environmentally conscious restaurateurs incorporate sustainability into their design:

Use of furnishings made of natural or recycled materials
Low VOC flooring and paint that help improve restaurant air quality
Use of trash stations for staff and patrons that encourage recycling
A paperless restaurant operation that features digital receipts
Use of rain water harvesting for landscaping and toilets
Washable walls and ceilings that promote cleanliness and boost compliance with food industry regulations

THE BOTTOM LINE

Remaining abreast of the latest restaurant design trends is essential to ensuring that you create an an inviting, captivating ambiance. The single best way to ensure that you stay on top of these trends is to seek the services of an expert in the hospitality industry. With the guidance of experienced thought leaders, you can position your restaurant as a front runner in your target niche.

We invite you to contact us at Simmer Group to discover why restaurants from New York to California turn to us for our design inspiration. Our team of creative strategists has their pulse on the latest design trends and has the expertise to help you design an unforgettable dining experience. We look forward to helping your restaurant thrive!