Maximising space is a crucial aspect when setting up and decorating smaller restaurants. Here are 5 best ways that can be used for smaller restaurant establishments.
Maximising Space Tip 1: Optimising Layout
The layout of a restaurant is very important, especially when the setting and overall area is smaller and more compact. In order to be more efficient with the space that is available to you, planning and ensuring proper optimisation is a key factor in making the restaurant look less packed or crammed. Being more thoughtful about the available space and managing it according to vision for the restaurant will help when it comes to customer and staff movement when eventually opening for business.
Planning and optimising the layout of the restaurant will ensure that there is a smoothness in the workflow throughout the establishment. Staffs assigned to get orders and bring food to the table will not be faced with any hindrances; therefore, ensuring a safe, proper and timely flow when attending to the customers in the establishment. This aspect also goes hand in hand when it comes to the safety aspect in the restaurant. Optimising the layout will ensure that there are no safety hazards in the form of cluttered areas, tables that are placed too close or a lack of room when moving around the restaurant.
Maximising Space Tip 2: Utilising Vertical Space
Another key aspect that allows you to maximise space in a smaller sized restaurant is by utilising the vertical space available in the establishment. Smaller restaurants tend to not have enough floor space to accommodate certain key aspects such as area for storage, food supplies and other utilities. In such cases, these establishments should take advantage of the vertical space that is available to them, which is a method of maximising space and areas that are limited.
Vertical space allows you to store your items, utensils, produce, supplies and many others in a more orderly manner. When organised and designated, this would allow the restaurant to reduce the clutter that may be scattered around; thus, allowing there to be more floor space and fluidity in the establishment. Additionally, by deciding which items will be used more frequently and which ones are more seasonal and not required as often vertical storage, can help in becoming an aspect that helps to further organise essential items. This will make it easier for staff to locate and reach for something, especially when its organised and kept in an orderly manner.
Maximising Space Tip 3: Utilising Outdoor Space
In the case that your restaurant has some outdoor space available at your disposal, this area can be used as an outdoor seating spot when hosting customers. Most restaurants tend to prioritise setting up seating and storage on the inside as it is more convenient for the staff and customers. However, maximising the outdoor space that is available is another key aspect when it comes to setting up and fully utilising the available areas in a small sized restaurant. The outdoor space can be utilised when there is a bigger crowd to cater to, which can be beneficial especially for smaller sized restaurants.
There may be instances in which smaller sized restaurants do not have outdoor spaces readily available to be used. If you own an establishment that has an outdoor space at your disposal, you can convert the area to either seat customers or as a storage spot for your items necessary equipment. Furthermore, an outdoor space of a restaurant can be utilised not only for seating but to also host events, programs and seasonal promotions; hence, giving the restaurant a more flexible outlook towards the customers.
Maximising Space Tip 4: Efficient Kitchen Design
A kitchen is considered as the heart of a restaurant. In order to function properly and at its full capacity, it is vital for the kitchen to be set up to allow a smooth flow during lunch or dinner service. In smaller sized restaurants, it is important to set up the kitchen efficiently as this is not only a sign of maximising the space of the establishment, but will also help when it comes to the day to day process at the kitchen.
The kitchen is one of the busiest places during breakfast, lunch or dinner services. As such, it is very important for it to be designed and set up efficiently especially if the space available is limited and restricted. Every inch of space is important; therefore, it is key for such establishments to use proper equipment that saves space and works well in the preparation of food. A well organised kitchen will allow for less mess and chaos during work and meal preparation. As such, items such as wall shelving, stackable storage boxes and many other organisational items can be used in kitchens which can in turn help increase the efficiency of its process.
Maximising Space Tip 6: Utilising Lighting
When it comes to setting up a smaller sized restaurant, one aspect that can often be overlooked is the role of lighting. Lighting can be a key aspect in making the establishment look more bigger than what it originally is, alongside giving a more well lit and properly maintained setting.
Lighting can be used to give an impression of a bigger restaurant to the customers. Having a good flow of natural lighting will allow for the establishment to be more brightly lit, thus, making it look like there is a lot more space and room in the setting. Alongside from enhancing the ambience of the restaurant, natural lighting can make the small sized restaurant appear bigger and more open. In such, small sized restaurants should have bigger windows or glass door, which in turn will help make the establishment look more spacious and larger.
Additionally, adding elements such as mirrors can also help in creating an illusion of a bigger restaurant. Mirrors help to bounce the light of its surface and project it to other parts of the establishment. Mirrors also have the ability of creating an illusion of depth. This in turn will create an illusion in which the restaurant looks a little more bigger and spacious.
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