Things to Consider When Renovating Your Restaurant

Running a restaurant is a tough business, and for many owners and managers, one of the hardest things about it is constantly attracting new customers while keeping old ones interested enough to come back. Renovating your space can be a great way to change and improve your image, but there are several things that owners and managers should be aware of before getting started on a project.

Getting Started

To start, it’s important to realize that budgets and schedules can be difficult to project, especially for larger projects. A contractor that is experienced with restaurant remodeling can mitigate many of the problems that result from this, but it is important to realize that every project is unique. There may be complications that are only discovered after demolition that can cost more and add time to the construction schedule. Build in some flexibility into both your budget and your timeline in order to deal with these unforeseen issues.

Develop a Plan

As you’re developing a plan for your restaurant remodel, think about what you want your restaurant to look like in the future. While it’s important to consider your immediate needs, you also should think about future projects that you want to incorporate. For example, new menu items might need additional appliances or preparation space. An extended wine list may require more storage space. Even if you’re not in the position to implement these changes today, plan for how you can include them in the future.

While it's important to consider your immediate needs, you also should think about future projects that you want to incorporate. For example, new menu items might need additional appliances or preparation space.

Once the plan is developed, be sure to be involved in the entire construction process. Experienced restaurant renovation contractors should encourage you to be present during every part of the construction process. Be sure to ask questions, and pay attention to anything that doesn’t seem to match with the renovation plan. Understanding what is going on with the process will make it much easier to understand any changes that have to be made later on.

Consider Your Staff

While construction is going on, be sure to consider your staff. Construction can have a big effect on the number of hours they work and the tips they receive. If your plan calls for closing down the restaurant for a period of time, consider how the loss of income will affect your workers. For many restaurant workers, missing more than one paycheck will prompt them to look for a new job and apply for unemployment benefits. If there are employees who are essential to your restaurant, take steps to ensure that they are retained through the construction process.

Are you in need of a restaurant renovation? Contact us!

When you’re ready to get started on your restaurant renovation, give Modern Construction Corporation a call. Our family-owned construction company has years of experience working with restaurant owners to create the restaurant of their dreams.