The open kitchen restaurant is a hot topic in the world of restaurant design and commercial kitchen design. It’s a trend that has been around for a while but seems to be gaining momentum, with many chefs and restaurants using it as their signature look. However, there are still some people who believe that it’s best to keep your kitchen closed off from the dining area. There are benefits and drawbacks to both options—but which one is right for your establishment?
Why are restaurants using open kitchens?
Many restaurants are now working with an open kitchen, where customers can watch their meal being prepared.
There are several reasons why you might want to consider using an open kitchen. Benefits of an open kitchen include:
Increased engagement
Customers who sit in front of a restaurant’s open kitchen can see what’s happening behind the scenes, which can help them feel more connected to your business and add to their experience. In fact, some studies show that customers are willing to spend more money when they’re able to see their food being prepared.
You can use open spaces to create a fun atmosphere that keeps people coming back again and again. This kind of experience creates an intimate connection between chef and diner as well as adds some excitement for diners who want something new from their dining experience each time they visit a restaurant!
Showcasing your cooking skills
Open kitchens also allow you to show off your culinary talents while creating a unique atmosphere for your restaurant and its guests, which might help promote it through word-of-mouth and social media posts (and hopefully lead potential customers right into your door).
If people are going out specifically because they want good food (and not just because it’s convenient), then opening up your kitchen may be the best way for you to market yourself as having great cuisine. Open kitchens are often seen as being “cool” or “authentic.”
Attract a younger crowd
Younger people are generally more adventurous when it comes to trying new things, and are also more likely to want an experience rather than just food on their plate. Open kitchens offer this experience in spades: not only do they encourage visitors to interact with your staff and other customers, but they also allow them see how your kitchen works and learn about where their food came from. This can make all the difference when it comes time for diners to decide what restaurant they will visit next time!
What are some of the negatives of open kitchen restaurants?
Potential cleanliness issues
Open kitchens can also have downsides. While an open kitchen can help you to build a sense of community, it can also make your restaurant more susceptible to mess. There is much more potential for customers to notice any mistakes or slip-ups in cleanliness—and then go home and write about it online.
Your chefs could get distracted
While the chefs might love having people watching them work, it can be distracting and annoying for them when they have to stop cooking every few minutes so they can explain how they’re preparing their food or take questions from curious onlookers. Open kitchens mean that your guests will be able to see everything going on in the kitchen, which may make your chefs feel like they’re being watched over as if by a hawk.
Strong smells and heat
Open kitchens are often sources of heat and unpleasant smells (especially if grills are being used), which might put diners off the food if they are sat too close.
Is an open kitchen restaurant right for me?
There are many advantages to having an open kitchen restaurant, but there are also some disadvantages. Before you make a decision, consider all the pros and cons. Overall, open kitchens allow you to stay connected to the cooking process and keep your guests engaged and entertained, but can cause issues if your hygiene procedures aren’t up to scratch.
We hope this information has helped you make an informed decision about whether an open kitchen restaurant is right for you. If you’re looking to source commercial cooking equipment, need help designing a commercial kitchen or need a repair or maintenance, get in touch.
