Diner Design: 7 Essential Considerations For 2024

Diners hold a special place in the American restaurant scene, and they often serve as community hubs.

Even better, revenue estimates for diners and breakfast restaurants are extremely promising. In fact, IBIS World predicts that this segment of the restaurant industry will generate a total of $14.6 billion in revenue in 2024!

They also report that there are 7,063 different diners and breakfast restaurants across the nation, meaning the average revenue per establishment is nearly $2.1 million. However, since this is an average, many diners perform significantly better, while others do much worse.

To compete with the top-performers, it’s crucial that you operate your business efficiently and provide a stellar customer experience. Fortunately, one of the best ways to accomplish both of these things is through effective design.

So, in this article we’ll cover all of the essential aspects of diner design, from layout and seating to lighting and accessibility. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to design a standout diner that customers will visit for years to come.

Key takeaways

• Good diner design not only enhances the visual appeal of your restaurant, but also plays a key role in improving your operational efficiency.

• To create a top-tier customer experience, it’s crucial that your design combines both aesthetics and practicality.

• Even if your diner’s visual elements are retro, you should still strive to meet current customer demands by integrating modern technology into your business.

7 essential elements of diner design

Although we often associate diners with a sense of nostalgic Americana, it’s important that modern diner design balances this with current expectations for comfort and style. The key is to create an atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh.

Ultimately, a well-designed diner should seamlessly blend form and function. Every design choice, from layout to decor should serve two purposes: enhancing visual appeal and contributing to efficient operations.

To accomplish this with your restaurant, be sure to think about these seven essential elements of diner design.

1. Layout and spacing

Your layout is key to creating a functional and efficient space. However, the best way to space out your diner depends on its size.

Small diners

For smaller diners, every square foot counts. To make the most of your limited space, consider these layout strategies:

• Open Kitchen Concept: This can make your space feel larger, and it allows customers to see the cooking process, creating a more entertaining and memorable experience.

• Multi-functional Areas: Design spaces that can adapt to different needs throughout the day. For example, use tables that you can move around to accommodate large groups.

• Vertical Storage: Use wall space for storage to keep the floor area open and maximize your space.

Large diners

While large diners do have the benefit of extra space, it’s also important to maintain the cozy atmosphere diners are known for. To achieve this, think about using these approaches:

• Distinct Zones: Create separate areas for different dining experiences. For instance, consider having a quick-service counter, family dining area, and quieter booths.

• Flexible Seating: Use movable partitions or different seating styles to break up the space.

• Focal Points: Incorporate eye-catching design elements to draw attention and create a more visually-appealing space
  
  

2. Traffic flow

Regardless of the size of your diner, creating efficient traffic flows is essential. After all, you don’t want wait staff and customers running into each other.

So, to create better flows of customer and employee traffic, consider these tips:

• Clear Pathways: Ensure there's ample space for servers to move between tables and for customers to reach their seats comfortably. Additionally, design a clear path between the kitchen and dining area to streamline service.

• Waiting Area: Designate a comfortable space for customers to wait during peak times.

• To-Go Counter: Set up a separate area for takeout orders to minimize disruption to dine-in service.

• Strategic Placement: Position your host station, cash register, and restrooms in easily- accessible locations. Likewise, position coffee and beverage stations for easy access by staff and customers.
  
  

3. Seating options

The right mix of seating options can have a big impact on your diner’s atmosphere. Overall, however, the ideal seating mix depends on your:

• Diner's size

• Target demographic

• Typical rush periods

Below, we discuss how to make the most of different types of diner seating.

Booths

Large booths are a staple in diners, offering privacy and comfort. Some tips for incorporating booth seating into your restaurant include:

• Space Efficiency: Install booths along the walls of your diner to maximize seating capacity.

• Comfort: Add plush seating and adequate table space for a cozy dining experience.

• Versatility: Offer different booth sizes to accommodate various group sizes.

Tables

Tables provide the most flexibility when it comes to seating options. To make the most of your table seating, be sure to think about the following advice:

• Easy Reconfiguration: Use tables that you can easily combine or separate to accommodate varying group sizes.

• Accessibility: Ensure your tables are easy for those with mobility issues to sit at, as they may have a harder time sitting in booths or at the counter.

• Variety: Consider mixing round and rectangular tables for visual interest and different dining experiences.

Counter seating

Counter seating is another staple of diner design, and this type of seating has several benefits, such as:

• Quick Turnover: Counters are often the best seating option for solo diners and those in a hurry.

• Kitchen Visibility: Depending on your layout, these seats often offer a view of the food preparation process, adding to enhancing the customer experience.

• Space Saving: Counter seating is perfect for narrow spaces, or as a divider between dining and kitchen areas.
  
  

4. Kitchen design and efficiency

Like any successful restaurant, a well-designed kitchen is the heart of your diner. To make it efficient, safe, and capable of handling high-volume periods, like the breakfast rush, be sure to consider these design elements.

Open vs. closed kitchen concepts

While both open and closed kitchen concepts can work well for diners, they each come with their own unique array of benefits.

Open kitchens can create a lively atmosphere that allows customers to see your cooks preparing their food. They tend to work best for smaller diners or those looking to show off their cooking techniques.

Meanwhile, closed kitchen concepts offer you more control over the cooking and preparation environment. They tend to be better for larger diners or establishments with extensive menus.

Efficient workflow design

Refining your workflow design is another key consideration for improving the efficiency of your kitchen’s operations. To accomplish this, be sure to think about the following tips:

• Work Stations: Organize your kitchen into distinct areas for prep, cooking, plating, and cleaning.

• Traffic Patterns: Design clear, unobstructed paths for staff to move between stations without crossing into each other’s work areas.

• Equipment Placement: Position frequently-used equipment within easy reach to minimize movement.

Equipment selection

Another key thing to think about when it comes to kitchen design is to purchase equipment that balances efficiency, quality, and space. For example, think about using:

• Efficient Refrigeration: Use under-counter refrigerators to save space and keep ingredients close by.

• Versatile Cooking Equipment: Invest in multi-purpose appliances that can handle preparation and cooking for various menu items.

• High-Capacity Griddles: This can help improve the efficiency of your food production so you can handle large breakfast crowds.

Storage solutions

Lastly, it’s essential to maintain an organized kitchen by selecting the right storage solutions. By considering these strategies, you can maximize your space and improve efficiency:

• Vertical Storage: Make the most of your wall space with shelving and hanging racks.

• Mobile Storage: Use wheeled carts for easy movement of supplies and ingredients.

• Organized Inventory: Implement a clear labeling system and first-in-first-out (FIFO) rotation for ingredients. Additionally, use inventory management software to track ingredient stock levels in real time.
  
  

5. Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the overall dining experience. For diners, the challenge lies in creating a lighting scheme that works for both early morning rushes and late-night crowds.

Natural light

Natural light can help create a welcoming atmosphere during the day, making your space feel more open and inviting.

For example, large windows maximize natural light during the day to create a bright ambiance. Likewise, adding skylights to large spaces can help bring in additional natural light.

Artificial lighting

Of course, you’ll also need to incorporate artificial lighting into your diner design. To do this effectively, consider using:

• Layered Lighting: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for a well-balanced environment.

• Adjustable Systems: Install dimmer switches to adapt the lighting throughout the day.

• Decorative Fixtures: Use pendant lights or retro-style fixtures as design elements that complement your diner's theme.

Functional lighting

Lastly, it’s also important to think about functional lighting. These types of lights will help keep employees and customers safe, improve accessibility, and highlight your kitchen:

• Kitchen Visibility: If you have an open kitchen, use lighting to highlight food preparation areas.

• Safety: Properly illuminate walkways, entrances, and exits.

• Counter Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting at the counter for reading menus and working.
  
  

6. Visual design and brand image

The visual elements of your diner help to create a memorable brand image and customer experience, which can drive more repeat business. However, striking the right balance between classic diner aesthetics and contemporary design is crucial.

Color palette

One of the most important aspects of your visual design and branding is your color scheme.

For example, you might think about incorporating classic diner colors, like red, chrome, and black. This can help give your restaurant that traditional diner feel.

Additionally, be sure to consider color psychology when choosing your palate. While warm colors can stimulate appetite, cool colors can create a more calming atmosphere.

Decor elements

You should also pay attention to the decor in your diner. Some classic examples of diner decor include:

• Artwork: Think about displaying local art or vintage photographs on your walls. Likewise, choosing the right paneling can give your establishment more personality and give off a 50’s diner-style vibe.

• Mirrors: By using mirrors strategically, you can make your floor plan feel larger and your space look brighter.

• Retro Decor: Consider incorporating neon signs, a jukebox, and other old-school elements.

Flooring options

The right floor design can also help you develop your diner’s brand image. For example, consider using flooring styles like:

• Vinyl Tiles: Offer durability and easy maintenance with various design options

• Polished Concrete: A modern choice that's extremely durable and easy to clean

• Classic Checkerboard: A timeless option that's both durable and visually appealing

Counter and table surfaces

Lastly, be sure to consider the appearance of your counters and other table surfaces. You can make the most of this element of your design by using:

• Solid Surface Materials: Durable, non-porous options like Corian offer easy maintenance and a modern look

• Stainless Steel: Offers a classic diner feel, and is especially suitable for countertops.

• Laminate: Budget-friendly and available in many designs, including retro patterns

7. Accessibility and inclusivity

One more key thing to remember when designing your diner is the accessibility. When developing your design to be inclusive, keep in mind this advice from Justin Alpert, a restaurant architect, who told us:

“It goes back to understanding what would help any customer, what would give them the best experience, and catering towards that.”

Alpert gave the example of not seating a customer with a hearing aid under a loud speaker or at a busy bar. Small touches like this can make a world of difference to your patrons, encouraging them to come back to your diner again.

Additionally, creating a welcoming environment for all customers is not just good business practice; it's often a legal requirement. So, to make your establishment more accessible and inclusive, be sure to think about the following diner design best practices.

Physical accessibility

Physical accessibility is critical to ensuring people with mobility issues have a great experience at your diner. To meet their needs, incorporate the following design elements:

• Entrances and Exits: Ensure doors are wide enough for wheelchairs and have automatic opening options.

• Table Height and Spacing: Provide tables at various heights and ensure adequate space between seating areas.

• Restrooms: Design accessible restrooms with proper fixtures and adequate space. Additionally, consider adding baby-changing tables.

• Ramps: If possible, add ramps so your diner is accessible for wheelchair users and those with strollers.

Menu accessibility

Finally, your menu design also plays a big role in improving accessibility and inclusivity for customers.

For example, think about offering alternative menu formats, like large print and braille menus, for visually-impaired customers.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to clearly communicate allergen information on your menu. To accomplish this, clearly label menu items with common allergens, and think about offering allergen-free options.

Combine a classic diner design with modern technology

By focusing on efficient layouts, versatile seating options, and thoughtful visual elements, you can develop a memorable diner design. However, to operate a restaurant that can handle demanding breakfast rushes and keeps customers coming back, it’s critical that you have the right tools.

For example, with Toast’s comprehensive POS system, you can streamline your operations in one simple platform with features like employee scheduling, inventory management, and sales data analytics.

Even better, you can enhance your customer experience by offering online ordering, loyalty programs, and more.

To discover all the ways Toast can help you run a better diner, be sure to check out all of the great features!