Improving the Outside Design of Your Restaurant – 6 Top Tips
With many restaurants, they focus so much on interior design that the outside is completely neglected. Of course, this is actually the first thing customers see so that’s why we’ve compiled a list of tips to improve your restaurant exterior!
Trash Receptacles
Firstly, we want to start with something that perhaps isn’t so obvious. Have you ever been to a restaurant with cigarette butts and trash by the entrance door? We have, and it almost ruins the experience before walking in. With a trash receptacle, you can keep the area around the entrance clear for a better first impression.
Professional Signage
Next up, work with a professional and get a brilliant sign to attract passers-by and help customers to find you. If you want a professional look, we highly recommend outsourcing to experts; we’ve seen some poor hand-made signage over the years. While it might save money to paint on some wood or use a Coca-Cola banner, it sends a message that you aren’t taking it seriously and won’t be around for long. With a professional sign, it shows that you’ve arrived in the community and are there to stay.
Also, pay attention to the local regulations as to what you can and can’t do with signage. Especially in business districts and other busy areas, there can be strict ordinances for sign types and sizes.
Menus and Other Signs
Can we expect people walking past to come in just by looking through the window and learning your name? Probably not, and this is why we recommend putting a menu on the outside wall (in a glass case for protection). Suddenly, anybody walking past can see what’s on offer. If they see their favorite dish, you might just earn yourself a new customer.
Elsewhere, we recommend erecting other informational signs. Here are some ideas;
- Specials board
- No smoking signs
- Parking signs
- Open/close for doors
Again, having these done professionally will improve your image and show that you’re here to stay.
Seating
Why not put some seating out for those busy times? If there’s enough room, you could even go for tables and chairs for people who want to take in the sun while eating. Of course, you’ll need to find furniture that looks great aesthetically while also providing durability. For this reason, contact equipment suppliers who deal specifically with restaurants. Reliability won’t be an issue and they will also have lots of different styles.
Lighting
Lighting is important outside your restaurant for two reasons; safety and aesthetics. With a restaurant, we think subtlety is important because you don’t want customers to get annoyed with bright lighting; they’ll feel like they’re on stage with a spotlight on them. If you want a romantic feel, small Christmas lights will look stunning all year round.
Create an Atmosphere
Whatever the theme and style of your restaurant, look at the outside space as an extension of your brand. Can you play some gentle music? Will you benefit from an awning for protection against rain and bright sun? With this tip in particular, it becomes a marketing tool because people on the other side of the street will see the awning from afar. These days, it’s easy enough to get one made especially with your choice of colors and patterns.
Furthermore, we think a bit of life goes a long way. By this, we mean window boxes or planters. Especially when you think the front of the restaurant looks plain, some plants and flowers can really bring it to life and make it look more welcoming. With only a small price to pay, somebody in your team will probably enjoy taking responsibility for them so it won’t be a major chore.
Spruce Up Your Outside Space Today
Here are our ideas, we hope you found something for your own restaurant. Whether you have enough room for tables and chairs or just a few plants, don’t forget the outside otherwise prospective guests will quickly forget your restaurant!