If you don’t like to compete, then stay away from the food and beverage industry.
The margins are notoriously tight, with a flood of competitors set to flood the market the moment a profitable concept takes shape.
With that said, with challenge comes opportunity, and the most creative restaurateurs will undoubtedly find a way to capitalize on people’s desire to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
One such opportunity lies in the realm of restaurant design. By creating safe, efficient buildings, the restaurant owner can create a 5-star experience that guests are willing to give up their Friday evenings–and hard-earned pay–to enjoy.
Keep reading as we explore some of the best safety and efficiency features shaping modern restaurant design.
Expansive Window Area
Large window area is key to modern restaurant design. Painted cinder block walls may have been the thing for smoke-filled truckstop diners of the 80’s, but patrons in 2025 want their eating experience to be more lively and vibrant. This has given rise to the “view house” design concept that features full-spanning glass walls and 360-degree vistas.
In addition to the attractive crystalline ambiance, increased window area has many benefits in terms of natural daylighting for improved energy efficiency. When paired with external shading devices, the restaurant gains even greater solar control for reduced A/C consumption.
Durable Countertops
Every table area at a restaurant should be cleaned between guests. If not, the restaurant can become a cesspool for germs.
It is a great idea to source nonporous surfaces. This prevents staining and guarantees that bacteria can’t multiply in the body of the countertop. Nonporous surfaces can be easily cleaned with a wipe of a disinfecting rag without needing any deep-penetrating cleaning products that have to sit overnight.
Engineered quartz is one of the top options in this regard. Quartz surfaces can draw from granite countertop inspiration and other types of stately stone and be manufactured into any color or design style. The mineral quartz is held in place with high-quality polymer resins, providing the utmost in nonporous, one-piece countertop fabrication.
Decorative Screen Panels
Decorative screen panels are a fast and efficient means of adding architectural intrigue to a restaurant. They can be used indoors to help break up space, shield the kitchen from the dining area, and add privacy in open areas. This last point is important for restaurants that share a kitchen with other providers to help control the costs of rent. Outdoors, decorative screen panels offer a false facade that boosts the aesthetics of otherwise drab building fronts.
Transitional Indoor/Outdoor Spaces
Creating functional exterior space is one of the leading wellness trends in contemporary design. Not only can getting outside for a breath of fresh air limit restaurant guests’ exposure to airborne pathogens, but there are countless studies lauding nature’s benefits in promoting mental health.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is by creating transitional indoor/outdoor spaces, such as connected decks and patios. This gives the restaurant the option of increasing seating space on beautiful days. Some ideas for building transitional space include adding a roll-up door for ease-of-use, laying the same 12×12 interlocking deck and patio tiles on both interior and exterior flooring areas for a cohesive look, and adding pergolas/awnings to the exterior seating area to provide sun protection when UV rays are the strongest.
Passive Design Strategies
Using passive design strategies can help restaurants achieve greater energy efficiency. The concept involves using the building site for as much natural heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation as possible.
Strategic orientation is a key factor. If the restaurant wants a bright, vibrant dining area, it should have the windows placed accordingly. While south-facing windows will get the most sun throughout the day, east- and west-facing windows may be preferable for restaurants wanting stunning views of the sunrise and/or sunset.
Likewise, keep the restaurant walk in cooler and kitchen areas at a manageable temperature by ensuring adequate ventilation. Design the short axis of the restaurant parallel to prevailing wind patterns, using window screens and louvers to pass natural air through the facility as efficiently as possible and reduce reliance on mechanical fans and air conditioning.
Stainless Steel Railings
Railings are an important component of contemporary restaurant design. First and foremost, they ensure ADA compliance and allow guests from all walks of life to safely access the restaurant. Furthermore, they help define space. Railings are essential in directing customers toward the host or ordering area and keeping the exterior of the building partitioned from adjacent structures.
There are many different types of railings (wood, metal, glass, etc.), each with their own utility in restaurant settings. With that said, stainless steel typically is the best choice. Its bold silver aspect plays well with any design theme. It is also completely resistant to moisture and grease stains, making it the most durable option for restaurants that will see no shortage of dirty hands.
Promote Safety and Efficiency in Modern Restaurants with Smart Material Sourcing
One of the best ways to stand out in a competitive restaurant niche is via safe, efficient building design. From expansive window area to stainless steel railings, consider any of the features listed above for your next restaurant project. For more of the latest trends shaping commercial real estate in the Rio Grande Valley, explore the content at CHRE for ideas and inspiration today!
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