Restaurant remodelling is expensive, but it can be worthwhile by judging the conditions of your restaurant. You must observe and make notes of the specific areas where an upgrade is necessary.
Is it your restaurant’s online ordering system? Is it the interior or the exterior? Or is it simply a refresher?
Understanding the signs for changes may be hard to figure out in the first place. However, some signs are unmistakable giveaways for restaurant remodelling.
To make it easier for you, we’ve put together five revealing signs of restaurant remodelling and how to decide on that kind of investment.
5 Unmistakable Signs to Invest in Restaurant Remodelling
Let’s jump right into the five subtle to obvious signs that will tell you to renovate your restaurant:
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Parts of Your Restaurant Need Upgrades
If you closely observe, you’ll definitely find some areas in your restaurant that need upgrades, especially if it’s been operating for many years. Focus on repairs and replacements that will save you costs in the long run.
You may want to spend some money on the HVAC system, plumbing, and other electrical wiring to keep the operation smooth. Also, check if your restaurant’s EPOS system needs to be replaced. It’s a crucial unit for order processing, cash and stock management, kitchen communication, etc.
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Your Menu Design Isn’t Customer-Friendly
When customers aren’t comfortable ordering or get confused about what to order from your menu, it’s a telltale sign that your menu needs some redesign. It might also be a subtle reason for a sudden drop in sales.
A menu connects customers with your culinary specialities. It’s your duty to make a menu that speaks for itself. So, revamp your menu with a more readable design, font, and favourable dishes. Check online menu designs for inspiration and hire print media specialists to get a well-designed menu.
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The Kitchen Needs More Accessibility
If your chefs and servers aren’t fluidly moving across the kitchen area throughout dinner or lunch, it’s a sign that the kitchen needs more accessibility. You must implement this vital change soon.
Renovate the kitchen so that the ingredients, stove, storage, and counter aren’t too far apart. Make sure that the chefs can prepare the dishes without putting much effort into bringing out their stuff. Moreover, servers must be able to move easily through the kitchen entrance and into the dining area while serving customers.
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Remodelling of Your Competitor’s Diner
One of the obvious signs that you should remodel your restaurant is that your competitor has done the same before you. And it’s not just about beating the competition but staying strong in the business.
However, don’t do everything that your rival has done. Play to your strengths and make changes and upgrades in the areas that would attract existing and new customers to your place.
For instance, the diner on the other side of the road might have installed a new AC. You, on the other hand, may want to focus more on the accessibility of sunlight and fresh air in your restaurant; hence, you may need to get an exterior makeover.
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Long Time in the Business: Requires a Change
With time, the need for change comes naturally. Your regular customers may be longing to see a refreshed look of your restaurant, tastier food, or better service, and you must listen to them.
So, it’s time to sit with your staff, discuss what changes can be beneficial, and start working on them. Also, look up the customer feedback received in the restaurant’s online ordering system so your changes resonate with their requirements.
Questions to Answer Before Restaurant Remodelling
Making a significant investment in your restaurant can definitely pose some questions. Finding answers to these questions can help you determine your remodelling decision.
Some vital questions you might stumble upon are:
How Will You Fund Your Restaurant Remodelling?
The answer to this question is vital and probably one of the most critical, too. However, you must arrange to secure funding to revamp your restaurant and attain your goals.
First, budget how much money you would need to refurbish your restaurant before going for financial arrangements. Then, you can approach investment companies, take business loans, or try asset financing.
How Will You Start the Process?
Find out when you should start the remodelling process. Make note of your interior and exterior upgrade requirements. Create a prioritised list of items that need repair or upgrade, such as signage, patio, paintings, furniture, juice or coffee machine, stove, wall paint, etc.
Also, don’t start the renovation process during the peak season. If you want to surprise your customers with a new look, service, or redesigned menu, start remodelling your restaurant at least 2-3 months before the festivals, tourism period, etc.
How Often Should You Renovate Your Restaurant?
The frequency of restaurant remodelling completely depends on the scope of the renovation. You must decide whether it’s a refresher remodelling or a major remodelling.
Typically, a refresher remodel, including paint, dining area renovation, new signs, etc., may be necessary every one to three years. On the other hand, a major remodel, like a complete interior or exterior makeover, will last nearly fifteen years or more before you need another remodel.
What Financial Outcomes Can You Expect After Remodelling?
Knowing what financial benefits or outcomes you expect from remodelling your restaurant is crucial. Do you want to bring more customers? Are you planning to broaden the dining space?
Whether it’s a refresher remodelling or some tweaks in your food presentation, you must note your expectations when making changes in your restaurant. Make sure the changes actually have a positive impact on customers while increasing your sales.
Key Takeaways
If you have learned about the unmistakable signs to remodel your restaurant, your business will never stand back. Let’s do a recap on what signs to look for:
- Some areas of your restaurant need immediate repair or upgrades.
- The menu design needs to be revamped.
- You need a more accessible kitchen area.
- Your rival is up for a renovation or has done it already.
- Your restaurant may be timeworn and needs a fresh look.
Renovating a restaurant can transform the entire atmosphere of your establishment and make your customers feel comfortable while they are here. It can even help you get nominated for some renowned food industry awards like the Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA).
So, work on these signs to renovate your restaurant. Also, ponder the questions we’ve shared above before making a significant investment in your restaurant remodelling.
