How to plan Restaurant Renovations
Renovating your restaurant is an exciting yet challenging process that can greatly impact your business's success. Whether you're aiming to enhance your dining experience, optimize your kitchen, or refresh the overall look of your space, a well-planned renovation ensures minimal disruption and maximum value. This article outlines key strategies and considerations to help you approach your restaurant renovation project with clarity and confidence. By focusing on clear goals, budget control, and professional expertise, you can make the process smoother and more cost-effective.
Strategic Planning for Your Restaurant Renovation
Renovating your restaurant can feel like a major undertaking, but with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to make the process smoother and more cost-effective:
1. Set Clear Goals
Before you begin, determine your renovation goals. Are you aiming for a full redesign or just updating certain areas, like the kitchen or dining room? Do you want to add a new bar or enhance the exterior? Knowing your priorities helps guide the project and keeps it within budget.
2. Hire the Right Professionals
Renovations require expertise in construction, design, and local regulations. Whether you’re updating the dining area or upgrading the kitchen, it’s crucial to hire a contractor with experience in restaurant renovations. Choose a team that excels in planning, clear communication, and understands the unique challenges of restaurant spaces.
3. Minimize Disruptions
To avoid disrupting your daily operations, plan your renovation around your business hours. Many restaurant owners opt for renovations during off-peak times, such as the offseason or after hours, to ensure operations continue without interruptions.
4. Keep Your Budget in Check
A restaurant renovation is a significant investment, so it’s essential to plan your budget wisely. Factor in all costs, including design, construction, permits, and any unexpected expenses. A professional contractor can guide you through decisions that help you get the best value without exceeding your budget.
Space Needs for a New Restaurant
For a new restaurant, the first step is defining your space requirements and how many clients you aim to serve. In Quebec, the construction code mandates 3.7 square meters (about 40 square feet) per occupant, including both clients and employees. This gives you a solid foundation for planning.
Restaurants typically have two key areas: the kitchen (or production and storage space) and the service (or seating) area. The ratio of production space to seating is typically 30%, and in some cases, it can be as high as 40%.
Also, remember to consider washroom requirements. In Quebec, if your restaurant serves between 26 and 50 clients with fewer than five employees, two washrooms are required—one for men and one for women, each with a toilet and lavatory.
Restaurant Sizes
Restaurant sizes vary based on the concept, location, and target clientele. Small cafés or fast-food outlets typically range from 500 to 1,500 ft², while casual dining restaurants usually require 2,500 to 5,000 ft². Full-service and fine dining establishments often need 4,000 to 10,000 ft² to accommodate seating, kitchen, storage, and service areas. Larger venues, like banquet halls or high-capacity restaurants, can exceed 10,000 ft². A well-planned layout is essential to balance seating capacity, kitchen efficiency, and overall customer experience.
Budgeting for a Restaurant Renovation
Restaurant renovations typically cost between $100 and $500 per square foot, depending on various factors. Additional costs to consider include:
Design Fees: These usually represent 10-15% of the overall renovation cost.
Equipment Costs: This depends on your service style and can range from $50k to $200k on average and up to $500k or more for larger restaurants. As a general rule of thumb, $50 to $100 per square foot.
Furniture Costs: Don’t forget to budget for stylish and durable furniture. Restaurant furniture costs vary based on the style and branding, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per seat.
By understanding the scope of your renovation and aligning your vision with these practical considerations, you can plan for a smooth, cost-effective renovation.
Key Factors Affecting Renovation Costs
Several factors can impact the overall cost of your restaurant renovation:
1. Scope of Renovation
Minor updates like fresh paint, new flooring, and updated furniture can keep costs lower. However, major overhauls, such as adding new washrooms or upgrading HVAC and electrical systems, will significantly increase costs.
2. Materials and Finishes
The quality of materials you choose will affect your budget. High-end finishes like custom countertops or premium flooring are typically necessary for fine dining, while more casual spots may opt for cost-effective options.
3. Kitchen Equipment and Layout
The kitchen is often the most expensive part of the renovation. Changes to layout, new equipment, or upgraded appliances can quickly raise costs.
4. Timeline
If your opening date is non-negotiable, a tight timeline may require extra workers or overtime, which can lead to higher labor costs.
5. Design and Planning
Working with architects and designers to ensure compliance with building codes and obtaining permits adds to your costs, but it will result in a functional, well-designed space that meets your brand and regulatory needs.
6. Branding and Service Style
Strong branding may require specialized design elements such as custom lighting, furniture, or unique décor, which can increase construction complexity and require skilled labor.
By understanding these factors and planning carefully, your restaurant renovation can be both successful and cost-effective.
In a word…
A successful restaurant renovation goes beyond just improving aesthetics; it’s an investment that can boost your business’s operational efficiency and customer experience. By setting clear goals, hiring the right professionals, and being mindful of your budget, you’ll ensure that your renovation adds long-term value to your business. Understanding key factors such as space requirements, equipment costs, and timelines will help you navigate potential challenges and make informed decisions. With careful planning and the right approach, your restaurant renovation will set the stage for future success.
Ready to start your restaurant renovation? Contact us today for expert guidance and a personalized consultation to bring your vision to life!
References
Miller, Donald. Building a StoryBrand 2.0. 2nd ed. HarperCollins Leadership, 2025.
Piotrowski, Christine M. Designing Commercial Interiors. 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2016.
Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia. Starting and Running a Restaurant in Nova Scotia. 2018.
RestaurantOwner.com. Independent Restaurant Cost to Open Survey. 2018. Facts and Figures from Over 350 Owners and Operators.