For many successful restaurants, the moment you walk in, you can sense that something sets it apart. It may be the lighting or the patrons, but when you put it all together, what you get is an incredible ambiance. A great ambiance is a conglomeration of things, and to really make people stop and notice, you’ve got to excel in all areas. Take a peek at these tips for improving restaurant ambiance to take your establishment up a notch.
Lighting can make it or break it
There’s a reason that “mood lighting” is such a hot-button topic when it comes to restaurants. To truly improve your restaurant ambiance, you’ve got to focus on the lighting. At the end of the day, there’s no perfect type of lighting—what you choose will depend on the type of restaurant you run. For ultra-hip joints that focus on inventive flavors, millennial patrons, and out-of-this-world drinks, pops of neon can add a special flair. For a classic, romantic restaurant, tons of candles and sparse, warm lighting are key.
Music will create a mood
When your restaurant is hustling and bustling, patrons may not notice the music, but to bring the crowd in, you’ve got to set the tone. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than diners chewing in silence, so break up the awkwardness with carefully selected songs. As with anything else, this will vary from restaurant to restaurant. Classical music fits in nicely at a fancier establishment, while an old-school diner could benefit from a fun, retro playlist. What matters is that your music is adding to the ambiance, not detracting from it or playing so loudly that it distracts or bothers your patrons.
Inject your branding into your restaurant
Every time your patrons walk into your restaurant, you want them to think that your establishment is unlike any other. To sell your restaurant to your customers, incorporate your brand into the design scheme. The best way to do this is through the use of custom, branded items; custom logo matches, coasters, and napkins are a surefire way to set your restaurant apart from the rest. The more people who see your brand, the more your restaurant will stick in their mind—even after they leave.
Create a cohesive aesthetic
Creating an aesthetic for your restaurant can be challenging. It can be tempting to put together any elements that appeal to you, ranging from a cozy feel to eclectic touches. To have the perfect ambiance, however, it has to be cohesive. Conjure up a vision for your restaurant in your head and stick with it. That way, your look will be much more identifiable, and restaurant-goers will appreciate all the little details that come together to make the whole look.
Foster a friendly atmosphere
Nothing leaves a sour taste in someone’s mouth quite like bad service. Rather than letting that bring down your ambiance, take a real interest in fostering a friendly atmosphere from your servers and staff. Encourage them to memorize the menu inside and out, offer suggestions as needed, and make diners feel welcome. A genuine human interaction can make all the difference in your restaurant, and your patrons’ mood will reflect that throughout their stay.
Dress your staff to the nines
Not only should your staff give off a great aura, but their uniforms should look impeccable, too. No matter what type of restaurant you own, your staff should always look clean-cut and be easily identifiable. The fun part? Any unique touches are up to you. For a kitschy, fun restaurant, add some quirky touches that reinforce your ambiance. For a cozy, family establishment, lean into that down-home country look that’s popular with diners.
Allow room to roam
Nobody wants to feel claustrophobic while they’re trying to enjoy a meal. For people to have a pleasant experience at your restaurant, it’s important that you space the tables and booths out comfortably. There’s nothing wrong with a cozy atmosphere where people are generally closer together; however, if people can’t move around the room easily or can’t help but overhear other diners’ conversations, those signs are indicative of a problem.
Add unique touches
To stick out in people’s minds, you’ve got to set your restaurant apart. The best way to do this is to add elements that are unique and eye-catching. One way to up your ambiance, especially if you’re a classic establishment or serve comforting food, is to install a fireplace. In fact, installing a typical fireplace costs about $2,000. While this may feel like quite an investment, additions like these will turn your atmosphere into something remarkable. Paint an impressive mural, install a fun chandelier, or add in unique and beautiful plants. Whatever you decide to do, as long as it drums up interest, it’ll help your restaurant in the long run.
Stay on top of cleaning
Don’t let something like messy tables or an unkempt bathroom ruin your restaurant’s reputation. Cleanliness is essential in the restaurant industry, so make it a top priority every day. Have your staff regularly restock the bathroom with soap and toilet paper, empty the garbage cans, and spot clean as needed. When it comes to the restaurant, bus tables quickly, clean up any spills that occur, and keep napkins and menus orderly. Those little mishaps can quickly become a full-blown issue that patrons notice, so tackle them right away to keep the flow going.
It’s essential to always be working on taking your restaurant to the next level. If your food is already delicious, what matters now is encouraging people to take that first step and give it a try. By curating an ambiance that you’re proud of, and that allows your unique vision to come through, people are much more likely to flock to your front door. Trust your gut, work hard, and stick with your vision—at the end of the day, it’s your restaurant, so go with what feels right to you.
