Learn how to use elements such as seating, lighting, and sound to create a restaurant layout that facilitates more connections, conversations, and collaborations.

So,a lot depends on the concept. There are some types of outlets that are very conducive to networking like the " Social offline" brand where people don't just go to eat and drink but also to work. Because people end up spending a lot of time there. Similar thing in coffee shops as well . A very good tool to facilitate this is a community table which kinda forces people to share a table amd resources like charging points etc. I encourage them to be added to tables across all brands as they truly help build the community spirit in restaurants.

How can restaurant layouts improve networking opportunities?

Restaurant layouts can have a significant impact on the networking opportunities for your guests, whether they are attending a business meeting, a social event, or a casual dining experience. In this article, we will explore some of the factors that influence how people interact in a restaurant setting, and how you can optimize your layout to facilitate more connections, conversations, and collaborations.

1 The importance of networking

Networking is the process of building and maintaining relationships with people who share your interests, goals, or values. Networking can help you gain new insights, ideas, referrals, or opportunities for your personal or professional growth. Networking can also enhance your reputation, credibility, and influence in your field or industry. Networking can happen anywhere, but restaurants are one of the most common and convenient venues for people to meet and mingle.

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June Dai

Creative Director at Eatcard B.V.
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What I've come to notice, through the years of running hospitality and frequenting most of them, is that hospitality venues are the barber shops of the night. In that sense, they get all the tales and stories of their visitors. This makes the staff of any venue valuable assets to a great starting point for networking. Not only will they know the best spots to go in your town, but they most of the time can connect you to people of similar interests. It is in that sense just a handshake away to someone you might want to to network with. Add that can change your outlook or access in your particular town. Just for you to know the right people, can help you achieve your personal goals even faster.

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2 The role of layout

The layout of your restaurant can affect how people network in several ways. First, it can influence the mood and atmosphere of your space, which can affect how comfortable and confident your guests feel. Second, it can affect the visibility and accessibility of your guests, which can affect how easy and inviting it is for them to approach and join others. Third, it can affect the functionality and flexibility of your space, which can affect how well you can accommodate different types of events and groups.

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Mitesh Rangras

Restaurant & kitchen Consultant, Chef
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So,a lot depends on the concept. There are some types of outlets that are very conducive to networking like the " Social offline" brand where people don't just go to eat and drink but also to work. Because people end up spending a lot of time there. Similar thing in coffee shops as well . A very good tool to facilitate this is a community table which kinda forces people to share a table amd resources like charging points etc. I encourage them to be added to tables across all brands as they truly help build the community spirit in restaurants.

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June Dai

Creative Director at Eatcard B.V.
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In that sense, we're all creatures of habits. The particular food we like, but also how we like to consume it. Think of higher tables or low tables with sofa's next to relax. Different layout setups speak to different modes people are in on that particular time of the day and a particular way for them to consume the food or drink. In that sense, you already have people with commonalities next to each other. For example if you have an extended high-top table with individual chargers below, with high bar stools all facing the window. People tend to like to work on their laptops will sit next to each other by default. That might lead to interesting conversations. Here the layout plays the role of facilitator.

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3 The elements of layout

When designing or improving your restaurant layout for networking purposes, there are many elements to consider. Seating arrangement is one of the most important - you can choose different types of seating, such as tables, booths, couches, or stools, to suit different preferences and purposes. Lighting is another key element - you can use natural, artificial, or ambient lighting to create different effects and moods. And sound is also essential - you can use different sources and levels of sound to create different impacts and impressions. Varying the size, shape, orientation and intensity of your seating, as well as the color, direction and volume of your lighting and sound can help you create the perfect atmosphere for any purpose.

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4 The tips for layout

To improve your restaurant layout for networking purposes, consider the elements of layout and follow some tips. Firstly, make sure your layout matches your concept and clientele. For example, if you cater to young and creative professionals, you might want a more open and dynamic layout with a mix of seating options and lots of music and noise. On the other hand, if you cater to senior and influential executives, you might want a more closed and static layout with lots of tables and booths and low sound and light levels. Secondly, create a layout that balances privacy and sociability by having different zones or sections with varying degrees of exposure and interaction. You can also have partitions or dividers, such as walls, screens, plants, or curtains to offer different levels of separation and integration. Lastly, create a layout that is adaptable and versatile by having movable or modular furniture that can be rearranged or removed to create more or less space. You can also have adjustable or switchable lighting and sound, such as dimmers, timers, or remotes to modify or switch the moods and atmospheres. Additionally, have multiple or alternative entrances and exits that can be opened or closed to create different flows and directions.

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5 The benefits of layout

By following these tips, you can create a restaurant layout that can significantly improve your networking opportunities. It can attract and retain more guests who are looking for a place to network, enhance and differentiate your brand identity, and increase and diversify your revenue. A well-designed layout should be appealing, comfortable, functional, unique, consistent, memorable, flexible, versatile, and adaptable. All these features can help you stand out in the market and offer different types of events and products to your customers.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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June Dai

Creative Director at Eatcard B.V.
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One thing that always has worked in our business, is something we call "Atmosphere control". And it has much to do with how you seat particular people. Especially if you have a walk-in concept and you work with hosts. You get to seat similar people next to each other. In my opinion, those who sit next to you are also part of your dining experience. Here you do rely on the people skills of your host, but in most cases, you can make simple assumptions, like fashion style, or group composition to have them close to each other. In that sense, your seating directly can impact their networking triggers. In most cases, people can sense commonalities, and because you've seated them next to each other, they're more tempted to start a conversation.

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How can restaurant layouts improve networking opportunities?

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1 The importance of networking

2 The role of layout

3 The elements of layout

4 The tips for layout

5 The benefits of layout

6 Here’s what else to consider

Hospitality

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