The restaurant industry is constantly changing and new concepts are emerging to meet the needs of consumers. In today’s society, people want an experience when they dine out. From the food to the service, restaurants need to be able to offer something different from their competitors.
Restaurant renovations, design, and redesigns are one of the many ways you can modernize your space and stand out from the competition.
A renovation can also include making structural or electrical repairs; redecorating; or updating existing fixtures and furnishings. Even though a renovation may seem like a small task on its own, it can have a big impact on your business.
What is a Renovation?
A renovation is a process of updating an existing space. It includes updating the building’s structure, roof, electrical and plumbing systems, and fixtures. While a renovation can be very important to the growth of your business, it’s also very important to note that it’s not the same as a redesign. A redesign is a complete re-imagining of your restaurant. A renovation is just a small part of your overall transformation, but it’s an important one. When you need to renovate your restaurant, you need to be ready to make some substantial changes.
However, renovations can also be a great way to freshen up your restaurant and make it more modern, but not overhaul its entire look. The goal of a renovation is to bring your restaurant up to code. You want to make sure it’s structurally sound and safe for customers. If you choose the right renovation project, you can update your restaurant’s infrastructure and bring it into the 21st century.
Why Renovations Are Important for Restaurants
New trends in dining are requiring restaurateurs to change with the times. Customers want modern experiences and new technology is available to satisfy that need at restaurants. You can enhance your experience with new technologies that are currently being used or introduced. Restaurants are also responsible for providing safe dining environments for customers.
A renovation can be a great way to update the building structure and electrical systems to make your restaurant more modern and safe for customers. A renovation can also address issues with the plumbing, including the accessibility of toilets and sinks for customers with disabilities.
How to Conduct a Restaurant Renovation
There are a few key considerations when renovating your restaurant. First and foremost is to undertake the renovation process with a plan and strategy. What are you hoping to achieve with the renovation, and what are your goals when renovating your space? With a plan in place, it will be easier to track your progress and make decisions along the way. With that in mind, here are a few renovation projects you might consider:
- Addition: Adding a new space or expanding an existing one is a great way to improve your restaurant’s capacity. This renovation expands your building’s square footage and is typically one of the more expensive renovations to complete.
- Rehabilitation: This is when you are updating the building structure but doing so does not require an expansion of the building’s size. You can often use the same footprint in an existing building or construct a new building to renovate. This renovation can resolve plumbing issues and make your restaurant more accessible to customers.
- Re-finish: Modernizing your space’s look and feel is a great way to freshen up your restaurant. A re-finish renovation can include updating your furnishings, paint colors, and wall coverings, to name a few.
When Should You Have a Restaurant Renovation?
If you are in a space that is too small for your growing business, you may want to consider a renovation. A renovation can also help address safety hazards, such as unsafe wiring, or a structurally unsound building.
Depending on the renovation, you might be able to use the same footprint, which means it isn’t necessarily a renovation project, but it might be worth considering, as it may allow you to expand your building without breaking ground.
For example, if you are in a building that was constructed in the 1920s, you might be able to extend your space by renovating the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical, or plumbing systems.
Repairs vs. Renovations
Repairs are the temporary fixes you make to your building during a renovation project. This can include updates to the electrical system or a new HVAC system. You might be able to get by with a few repairs, but it’s not ideal for your business.
A renovation is a complete overhaul of your building, and it can help you address safety or structural issues. A renovation is worth the investment, as it will make your building compliant with the health codes and make it a safer environment for guests.
Summary
If you are looking to modernize your restaurant, a renovation can be a great way to freshen up your restaurant’s look and feel or make structural improvements to your building. However, don’t rush into a renovation without considering the costs and benefits. Doing so can lead to unnecessary spending and delays. A renovation can have a positive impact on your business and help you modernize your space.
