Design and Decor of Restaurants

At all levels of the hospitality industry and in every type of restaurant, the question of design is a crucial one. Decisions about the style and layout of a restaurant affect both patrons and staff, distinguishing between restaurants that will provide different experiences. For the diner, before any food is tasted, a restaurant’s decor communicates a great deal about the aims and intentions of that restaurant, often providing a sense as to the type, quality, and style of the food. From a kitchen perspective, the design of the space affects the production flow, controlling the preparation of [Page 348]food and its efficient operation. Design in restaurants functions on multiple levels, both psychological and practical. This entry focuses on how choices about design determine the restaurant’s ...