Food isn’t the only draw when it comes to dining out because if it is, then most people would just order takeout and eat at home. There is no denying that the quality of the food is important, but the atmosphere that the restaurant creates for the diner makes the place unique and makes them want to go back.
That being said, if you are a restaurant owner and want to create the perfect experience for your guests, you need to have a clear vision of what you are hoping to achieve. Keep reading for simple tricks on how to make your restaurant unique and outstanding.
Lighting
When a guest walks into a restaurant, the first thing they usually notice is the lighting, and this is why you should make sure to get it right. It is important that the lighting is soft and warm rather than harsh and glaring.
If you own a family-friendly place with a casual vibe, you should opt for bright light, or if it is a luxurious romantic place, then it is better to opt for dimmer lights to heighten the mood. There are some restaurants as well that adjust their lighting based on the time of day, so at day time they use a brighter setting then dim the light in the evenings.
When you are having a special event such as a birthday party or wedding, then it is best to opt for softer lighting so that the guests can enjoy themselves and relax. If you want to make your restaurant or bar look festive and fun, then you should opt for a theme lighting set-up. You can choose from various lighting options, depending on what you want to achieve. For example, you could have a disco or romantic candlelight set-up.
Decor
You can’t just have a design you like from another restaurant and copy it because every place has its own vibe that makes it unique. That being said, some restaurants offer great food and service yet don’t get many reservations. If you have this problem, then maybe you should ask yourself about ways how to improve restaurant ambience and decor so people would want to revisit your place. Moreover, understanding the kind of atmosphere you want to create will allow you to do simple and inexpensive tricks to change your decor.
For example, if you want a hyper-local vibe, consider displaying local artists’ paintings. You should also pay attention to the signs you put on your walls, like street signs and basic safety signs, to ensure they fit with your decor. It won’t hurt if you invest in cool and attractive signs as well.
To have a grander, more upscale feel, having restaurant tabletops is also a must. As a matter of fact, many restaurateurs now use tabletops as the centerpiece of their decor. It’s a simple and affordable way to make a statement. But not all tabletops are created equal. You need to be careful about how you choose them. For instance, if you want your guests to be able to easily enjoy their food, then you should avoid any tabletops with a lot of clutter and make sure that they’re clean.
Sound and Music
There are always echoing problems in open spaces, and restaurants are no different. This is why you should place rugs and use soundproofing panels on the ceilings as well as walls to minimize the noise.
Customers usually complain about the noise at restaurants; this is why you should get the noise level under control. After you take care of that, you should focus on the music because it can add a distinctive vibe to the place. Upscale restaurants usually choose calm and relaxing music, while casual ones choose loud and upbeat music to create a fun atmosphere.
However, you should be careful with the music because if it’s too loud, it might hurt the ears. It is best to play soft music that will not cause harm to the ears of your customers.
Quality Service
A quality service can set your restaurant apart and be a great promotion as most people will rave about it online and to their friends and families. Moreover, customer service has a huge influence on the place’s ambiance as well. For this reason, hiring the right staff for the job is important and ensuring they reflect well on your business values.
You should also ensure that your staff is friendly, has a nice personality, and has great communication skills. These will give the diners a fantastic experience and will guarantee your business’s success.
The food quality is essential in any restaurant. The food must be fresh, delicious, and nutritious. You should have a well-balanced menu, and you should have a wide range of dishes so that everyone can find something that suits their taste. A good environment is very important. This can be achieved by having a clean and well-lit dining area. The ambiance should be comfortable and welcoming, and you should make sure that it is easy for customers to get around
Offer Entertainment
If you want to give your customers a unique experience and create a fun atmosphere, you may consider adding entertainment. You can hire local performers, either daily or on weekends and special occasions. You can also create a fun theme, like creating a murder mystery show that will keep your guests entertained. There is no shortage of fun ideas, and you just need to be creative and think of ways to give your guests a one-of-a-kind experience.
If you want to make your theme evening more exciting, consider offering an auction. It’s a great way to let guests bid on various items. They’ll have fun trying to get the best prices, and it’s a great way to raise money for your charity. You can also include live auctions where your guests will be able to bid on the chance to win a prize.
Hire a DJ to play music throughout the theme evening. A DJ can provide great entertainment for an event. He is responsible for providing music that matches your restaurant’s evening theme. They will also ensure that there is enough volume to ensure everyone can hear the music.
Food Presentation
It isn’t possible to talk about restaurants without discussing food. You probably know the saying that people eat with their eyes first, and this is why you should present the food in a unique and attractive way so that the guest feasts with their eyes first. Making your food presentable will set your place apart from the competition and add a luxurious feeling to the diner’s experience.
Every restaurant is unique, and the last thing you want is to copy another’s restaurant vibe or atmosphere. Before making any decoration or design decisions, you should ask yourself about the kind of experience and atmosphere you want to create for your guests and start from there. There are so many things that can make your restaurant stand out from the competition, so do some research and discuss your vision with your marketing team, as well as your interior designer, to make the place totally unique and outstanding.
If you have never presented food before, or if you are unsure of what kind of presentation would be best for you, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
Make your food look delicious.
Your food is the star of the show, so it only makes sense that you make sure that it looks good. Use high-quality ingredients and use the right presentation techniques to ensure that your food looks appetizing. You can add accessories like a bowl of nuts, a condiments dish, and/or a dessert plate. These extras will create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. If you are serving appetizers or appetizers plus entrees, make sure that they are placed on separate plates. This creates a more comfortable environment for your guests.
Use attractive plates and dishes.
If your dishes are attractive, then your guests will be more willing to order them. You should also use attractive plates that match the theme of your restaurant.
Use attractive techniques for serving food.
Ensure your guests have an attractive view of your food while it is served. Don’t forget to use a lot of candles and lights in your restaurant. This creates a romantic environment that is conducive to ordering more food.
