Listly by Joanna James
Enhancing the atmosphere of your restaurant is a key strategy to attract more customers. In a recently conducted survey, diners rated ambience as the third top priority when choosing a restaurant. Interestingly, another study revealed that many customers rank service and environment above even the taste of the food. So, if you're solely focused on the taste of your dishes, you might want to reconsider your priorities.
Well, today, the likes of Jollibee Philippines, which is one of the food delivery services in Philippines, are highly sought after. Most people would stay at home and watch something on Netflix rather than go out and eat. So, to maintain your relevance and stay in the competition, you need to do what’s necessary.
If you're looking to make one transformative change, start with your lighting. The right lighting can instantly shift the mood and can dramatically alter how a place is perceived.
When selecting the right lighting, think deeply about the image you want your restaurant to project. For instance, if you're running a cosy Greek restaurant aimed at couples, then stark, bright lights probably won't work. On the other hand, if it's a lively breakfast joint, then a dim, intimate lighting approach might not hit the mark. The point is to adjust your lighting to suit the narrative of your eatery.
Noise in restaurants can indeed detract from a comfortable dining experience. The combined sound of clinking dishes, bustling kitchen activities, moving chairs, and lively conversations can escalate to overwhelming levels.
To manage this, consider the following steps:
Identify the noise source: Before implementing any solutions, determine where the majority of the noise is originating.
Sound panels: Fabric sound panels can be installed on walls or ceilings. These panels absorb and reduce noise, preventing it from bouncing back into the space.
Noise-reducing linens: Opt for tablecloths made of materials that dampen sound. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic, but they'll also help soften the noise from cutlery and dishes.
Barriers: Create partitions or barriers between the dining and cooking areas. This can be done with plants, screens, or even decorative walls. Such divisions can prevent kitchen noises from reaching the diners directly.
Music: Curate a thoughtful playlist that matches the theme and vibe of your restaurant. Ensure it's played at a level that masks some of the surrounding noises, providing a white noise effect. This not only creates privacy but also enhances the overall mood. If your restaurant focuses on a particular cuisine, play tunes from that region to further immerse diners in the experience.
To tie your restaurant's atmosphere together, getting the colour scheme right is essential. Even just a fresh coat of paint or a feature wall can make a significant difference to how your place feels. For instance, if you're all about organic dishes, think about using earthy tones like browns, greens, or blues on your walls, tablecloths, furniture, and decorations. But if you're dishing up luxurious Italian cuisine, deep, rich shades of red and brown might be the way to go.
If a complete overhaul isn't on the cards right now, you can still refresh your space by introducing splashes of colour. This can be done with themed decorations, switching out the napkin colours, or even jazzing up just one wall with a distinct colour or pattern. Small changes can often have a big impact!
Choosing the right linens can be a game-changer for your restaurant's atmosphere. Historically, linens have signalled sophistication and elegance in dining settings. Offering guests genuine linen tablecloths and napkins can elevate their perception of your restaurant, associating it with a premium dining experience.
Beyond just aesthetics, linens contribute to the overall feel of your restaurant. They not only lend a refined touch but also act as a buffer, dampening the noise from clinking dishes and glasses. Plus, if you're looking to inject some colour into your space without a major renovation, changing or adding linens is a hassle-free way to do so.
The simplest and most effective way to uplift your restaurant's atmosphere is to keep it spotless. A dirty restaurant is never a good look, regardless of current trends. If guests encounter messy tables, marked napkins, or smudgy glasses, it'll overshadow even the most impressive lighting or decor. And if your toilets are regularly unkempt or lacking basics like soap, then even the trendiest interiors won't save your reputation.
So, prioritising cleanliness is crucial. It's not only vital for the safety of both staff and patrons but is a fundamental foundation for a pleasant environment, regardless of your restaurant's style or theme.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.