davidc@ccr-mag.com
July 26, 2018
The restaurant business is one that can be extremely cutthroat, challenging, and competitive, yet when all the pieces fall into place, it can also be a lucrative business to be in. One of the challenges facing restaurant owners is keeping up with the Joneses if you will, in that you need to make sure you are providing your customers with a modern, inviting, and unique atmosphere in which they can dine in. Even when your restaurant starts out that way, over time it can start to look rather run down and tired, which can end up driving customers away.
If you’ve been thinking it’s time for some restaurant renovations, here are five things you’ll want to consider before you begin.
How Do You Plan on Paying for It?
While you may think it doesn’t cost much to just do some basic renovations to your restaurant, the fact is that the cost of renovation jobs can add up pretty fast. This is why it’s a good idea to get a few quotes from contractors and/or designers well before the project begins. Once you know how much it’s going to cost, then you can figure out the financial side of things and work out a plan to pay for it.
How Will the Renovations Affect Your Customers?
Another thing to consider is how the renovations will affect your customers. Will you need to close down your restaurant for a few days or even a couple of weeks? Will the renovations take place during off-hours, or do you plan on sectioning off areas where work will be done?
The way in which the renovations affect the customers depends on how many and what kind of renovations you are doing. The last thing you want to do is inconvenience your customers, but sometimes closing down the restaurant during the renovations is the only option out there.
Make Sure You Have a Full Design Plan Before Starting
Renovating a restaurant isn’t like renovating your home. You can’t just “swing it”. You need to be specific in your design plan before the work begins so that you have all the supplies and items you’ll need on hand. Planning your design ahead of the renovations also gives you a chance to browse, get ideas, and check out different options.
Take, for example, new furniture, which can be found at Restaurant-Furniture and other online outlets. When you give yourself enough time, you can browse through the many options and give thought to how it will work for your vision, space, and budget.
Get Input from Customers
As you work on your design plan, it’s also important you get feedback and input from your customers. What do they want to see in the new design, what do they currently like and dislike about your restaurant, what do they feel is missing?
You can then have a special VIP appreciation night and have all your regular customers be the first ones to dine in the new space.
How Will You Advertise the Renovations?
It’s not unusual for restaurants to have a grand reveal after a large renovation project, as this helps to drum up interest and can draw in new customers. Give thought as to how you will advertise all the renovations that are being done. It’s a good idea to use both online and offline marketing tools.
Before you embark on any type of renovation, it is always wise to have a plan in place so follow the tips discussed above and you can’t go wrong.
