How Design Impacts a Restaurant’s Maximum Capacity

A restaurant, first and foremost, is a business. And to measure the success of a business, we look at the profit margin. Within the hospitality industry, this margin can be all-too-thin, particularly in recent years.

As a result, restaurant owners across the board are looking into how they can extract the most profit from their venues. 

What Exactly is Restaurant Seating Capacity?

Restaurant seating capacity is the number of customers that can be (safely) seated in a venue. When we look at seating capacity, we look at how many tables and chairs can be fit into the dining space.

It’s a crucial part of increasing revenue. Look at it this way – you can spend vast amounts of money on marketing strategies and culinary techniques to dazzle customers and keep them coming for more – but will you have the space to accommodate for such demand?

Consider your restaurant seating strategy with great care. An impractical or inadequate seating design will lead to your earnings being capped. Of course, seating capacity differs greatly from venue to venue – a dainty coffee shop versus a large restaurant are two different stories. 

But regardless of the size of the space, space can be maximised to accommodate as many people as possible. If you’re wondering how to increase restaurant capacity, read on to find out more.

How to Optimise Restaurant Seating Capacity

Here are some key tips for maximising the space in your venue:

• Limited-time dining

Time-slot dining involves scheduling a set dining period for each booking. These time slot rules should be explained clearly, prior to the booking. You could offer incentives such as discounts or special menu items during these periods of time-slot dining. 

• Offer take-away or delivery options

For those seeking the food, rather than the whole dining experience, offering a collection or delivery service is a fantastic alternative that frees up space in-venue. Focus on the convenience factor for the customer and use high-quality packaging material to ensure the food stays well-presented and warm during transport. 

• Utilise outdoor space

During the warmer seasons, consider adding seating space outdoors. Opt for weatherproof furniture, such as aluminium, plastic or treated wood. 

• Menu Optimisation

Try to focus on meals that can be prepared quickly, with no sacrifice on quality. This will simplify your menu and reduce the time taken to prepare and serve the meals. 

Get in Touch

Changing the design of your seating arrangement may feel like a daunting task, but we’re here to help. Here at Daniel James Interiors, we provide custom restaurant fit outs that include meeting optimal capacity requirements. 

So, if you have any questions regarding restaurant capacity ideas, let us know and don’t hesitate to reach out to Daniel James for a friendly consultation. We are a well-established team of experienced specialists, with happy clients across the nation.