Some of the greatest memories we create are from the moments we spend with the ones we love. What better way to relax, catch up, and connect with one another than to share some quality time over a great meal?
Selecting the perfect restaurant to accommodate the needs of a family can sometimes be a little more complicated. When opening a new restaurant, specifically one that’s Family Casual, there are many factors to consider in order to achieve the reputation and customer loyalty you’re striving for. Sure, there are the construction components or renovation elements if you are renovating your restaurant an older building. However, there are other things you need to take into consideration.
First and foremost, what is it that makes a Family Casual restaurant?
Sit-down restaurants are often referred to as family style or family casual restaurants in North America. If you are hoping to appeal to this chosen niche, then prepare to consider the following:
Ambiance/Accessibility
Family restaurants frequently offer a relaxed and casual environment with a lot of seating available. From the second your guests enter the door; convenience and consideration will make your visiting families very grateful. Be sure to offer plenty of seating space in the waiting area for tired parents and rowdy kids. This will help keep the front doors from getting too overpopulated as well. Have a good supply of high chairs and booster seats available for your little guests, as well as bathrooms equipped with changing stations. Ensure that any/all potential hazards are attended too, including an effort to seat families with small children further away from staircases or kitchen access points – safety first!
Service
A Family Casual restaurant will typically offer full table service with a fully stocked bar available to their guests. Traditionally, family-style restaurants have offered the option of shared platters on their menu to mimic the self-serve style of a home cooked meal. Today, it is not uncommon to find family restaurants opting for individually plated entrees instead. It is, however, a good idea to hire staff that work well with fussy or indecisive children.
These important roles can directly impact the dining experience. Therefore, finding the right people to promote a positive, comfortable, and child-friendly environment will keep your customers wanting to return. In fact, making a restaurant child-friendly can increase the amount of customers you receive by 25%, as parents often prefer to eat wherever their kids are comfortable and happy. Truth is, those little guys are the real decision makers!
Menu/Pricing
The price points set for a family casual restaurant should range around the “moderate” scale. Priced a little higher than fast food joints, family restaurants offer the sit-down experience with fresh ingredients and thoughtful service. With obesity rates steadily increasing in our population through recent years – it may be a great idea to even offer healthier meal options!
Family Casual Restaurant Appeal
Finally, consider new ways to appeal to the needs of your ideal customer. A good way to start would be to look at well-established family restaurants for inspiration:
– Boston Pizza offers an easygoing atmosphere with many child-friendly options on their menu!
– Jack Astor’s allows little and big kids alike the opportunity to colour with crayons AND watch hilarious blooper videos on the TV screens!
– Pizza Hut provides those picky eaters the freedom to create their own custom pizzas!
All consideration for a fresh and functional restaurant plan refers to a process called “Restaurant Concept Development”. When it comes to planning your conceptual design, understanding trends, and creating fresh ways to stand out – do not hesitate to reach out to your resources! Contact our Mississauga construction location at (905) 696-0486 or [email protected] to consult with our experts about your project.
Let’s get cooking!
If you are renovating your Family Casual restaurant, check out our article The Timeline to Renovate a Restaurant to learn about what the process entails.
Image Credit: https://www.cliftonhill.com/