Most restaurant renovations concentrate on one important goal: breathing new life into business. This strategy works because diners enjoy a fresh scene, but it’s not the only reason to think about an upgrade. Whether you own a local establishment or manage a QSR site, take a good look at operations with an eye to saving money and increasing sales. Here are five sure signs that it’s time to invest in a restaurant remodeling project.
1. Menu Changes Aren’t Enough – Reworking old recipes and spicing up new offerings can’t refresh stale interiors and exteriors. Success depends on delivering a customer experience that satisfies both the eye and appetite. A complete restaurant remodel reboots your brand and revitalizes dining interest. Update old seating areas with new flooring, wall coverings and banquette seating. Upgrade lighting design, and cast a flattering glow on food and clientele. Add interior accents with steps, railings and planter boxes. Reflect changes inside with exterior signage and welcoming entrances that help you stand out on the crowded restaurant landscape.
2. Kitchen Traffic Jams Hurt Service – Back of house operations define controlled chaos, but the kitchen can’t produce its best when staffers work on top of each other. Waitstaff must deliver food on time, but they can’t navigate a tight line with hot plates and full trays. Your renovation priorities should always include restaurant remodeling companies that understand production logistics from back to front of house. An experienced commercial contractor knows how to make space where it’s needed and create working room for the constant traffic that keeps food on customers’ tables.
3. Energy Costs Are a Headache – Seasonal pricing and shifting market trends make it hard to control food costs, so you don’t need the added headache of huge monthly utility bills. Energy-efficient restaurant remodeling offers shelter from skyrocketing electric and gas costs, and it ensures the comfort of customers and staff. Your options include insulated window installations, air-lock entryways and retooled HVAC systems. Talk with a commercial remodeling contractor about upgrading your restaurant’s lighting. Interior LED and CFL fixtures and exterior metal halide lighting substantially reduce monthly electricity costs.
4. Old Space Doesn’t Fit – While shifting tables for large parties comes with the territory, it doesn’t work when you’re pinning diners into tight corners. Customers expect a clear path to being seated without the adventure of dodging busy waitstaff. Building a new location solves spacial problems, but you can always make better use of existing resources. An experienced restaurant remodeling contractor puts smart design strategies to work that don’t require pouring new concrete. He can open up small areas, redirect floor traffic and even create outdoor dining space for a fraction of the cost of traditional expansion projects.
5. Everything’s Wearing Out – If it’s old, it’s going to need replacement eventually, so why not focus part of your restaurant remodel on refurbishing infrastructure? Renovation costs make sense when you’re investing in upgrades now instead of dealing with expensive equipment failures later. Targeted repair work extends the mechanical life of plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems, and it holds down operating costs that affect monthly bills. Consider slipping in customer-pleasing amenities like in-house music and free Wi-Fi. Refurbishing isn’t glamorous, but it defrays the cost of adding extra bells and whistles.
Your building’s interiors and exteriors shouldn’t add to the challenges and expenses of running your restaurant. When you’re ready to invest in changes that make a permanent difference, just let us know. We’ve specialized in commercial renovations throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana for more than 40 years. Your business deserves the best restaurant remodeling contractor in the area, and Stovall Construction is always here to help. When you’re ready to put a restaurant remodel on your business plan menu, contact us first.