Restaurant trends evolve at a rapid pace, often leaving established chains struggling to keep up. Since the emergence of the first fast food chain in 1921, the restaurant industry has been in a constant state of transformation, as businesses strive to maintain their competitive edge. For any restaurateur, building a restaurant from the ground up and witnessing it evolve into a trusted brand is an emotional journey. In today’s landscape, rebranding becomes the key to sustained growth.
Refreshing your restaurant’s identity not only demonstrates your commitment to staying current but also signals to your customers that you’re attuned to their changing expectations. To assist you in this journey, we’ve compiled a list of our top four recommendations for effectively refreshing your existing restaurant brand.
Restaurant color palettes & logo re-branding
When it comes to revitalizing your brand, aesthetics shouldn’t be underestimated. Choosing the right ambiance and color scheme for your restaurant’s interior can significantly impact your customers’ psychology, influencing their decisions from food choices to spending habits. Scientific research has shown that the color palette inside a restaurant can subconsciously affect patrons in numerous ways. For example, using warm, inviting color tones near the entrance can make customers perceive the temperature as a few degrees higher, enhancing their comfort. Conversely, for smaller restaurant spaces, bright interior colors can create an illusion of more space, making the establishment feel more expansive.
Opting for light colors such as white, beige, and grey have also been proven to foster a relaxed atmosphere, making guests feel welcomed. On the other hand, colors such as blue and purple tend to suppress appetite, given the scarcity of naturally occurring blue or purple foods. When considering the exterior of your restaurant, darker color choices, such as navy blue, can be especially eye-catching to consumers.
Staying relevant in a competitive market requires keeping pace with the times and market shifts. Many recognized brands have rebranded their logos to appeal to their target demographics. For instance, iconic chains like Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s, and Subway have all undergone logo transformations over the years to remain current. Whether it involves altering logo colors or entirely redesigning the logo, these changes are all part of the broader rebranding process.
Incorporating various lighting
Lighting plays a major role in shaping your restaurant’s overall design. By introducing more light, you can infuse your establishment with a bright and inviting atmosphere. You can achieve this by incorporating mood lighting through dimmable LED fixtures, recessed lights, and pendant lighting. For example, the rustic charm of bare-bulb industrial pendant lights complements a restaurant’s minimalist approach to upscale dining, while cascading strands of string lights can evoke a dreamy ambiance in a romantic bistro setting.
When considering a refresh for your existing space, think of incorporating additional light sources, such as natural light or skylights. Doing so can encourage patrons to make more deliberate and health-conscious menu selections.
Utilize material selections
The strategic use of materials, such as reclaimed wood, can give your restaurant a distinctive and contemporary look. Repurposed wood not only enhances aesthetics but also demonstrates eco-consciousness. Some reclaimed wood pieces also possess the structural integrity to serve as sturdy supports for construction projects, combining style with practicality.
Beyond the interior, your restaurant’s curb appeal deserves careful consideration in material selection. Research suggests that customers are willing to pay a premium for their dining experience if they enjoy a restaurant’s atmosphere and initial exterior design.
To boost your restaurant’s appeal, consider adding greenery to both the exterior and interior. Plants have the power to uplift moods, making your restaurant more appealing to potential customers and ultimately attracting a larger customer base.
Partner with local delivery services
In today’s society, driven by instant gratification, the popularity of food delivery has soared. Therefore, it’s worth partnering with third-party delivery services like PostMates, GrubHub, or UberEats to tap into this growing trend. This approach offers a convenient alternative to traditional dining out, allowing customers to order their meals with the assurance of safe, doorstep delivery.
In addition to delivery services, consider changing your restaurant’s layout. This may involve redesigning the interior to create a dedicated take-out or To-Go area. This space should be equipped with a specialized POS system for take-out orders and designated shelving for food warmers. These adjustments can streamline the process for customers collecting their to-go orders, ensuring efficiency.
Similarly, think about implementing curb-side delivery options, complete with a designated area or pathway for customers to pick up their orders securely. Providing clear signage, cones, and flags to guide customers to the pickup area is important.
With the new trends in the restaurant world, SCGWest is your one stop shop to refresh your existing restaurant brand. We are here for your refresh or re-branding needs and will guide you through our well-defined building program and design process to execute your project efficiently. Contact us today!
