Kitchen Layout for a Small Restaurant | UpMenu (2024)

Designing a small space, like dealing with a small restaurant kitchen design might be a bit challenging, right? How to fit everything that is needed there in such a tiny little space? Where to start when designing a small restaurant kitchen floor plan? We are here to help! If you are looking for some cool kitchen design ideas for a small restaurant, keep on reading this piece!

Inspiration is Everything! Find the Best Kitchen Layout for a Small Restaurant!

There is always hope. Even when you have to squeeze in some kitchen appliances, sinks and working area in one small room. We all know how hard it is to find a spacious place for a restaurant, that will be affordable. Sometimes we need to go on a compromise, get a restaurant space that is not too big, and find some small commercial kitchen design ideas. There is no need to panic! Even if the kitchen space is not too spacious, you can still make it work. There are plenty of designs available online. What is more, make sure to visit those show rooms. You will be surprised how inspiring they can be!

Step by Step, and You Will Get It Right!

When browsing through small commercial kitchen layout ideas, we often come across the idea of being extra organized inside the cabinets. Use up all of the space in a way that everything has its place and stays in order. What is more, when it comes to a small restaurant kitchen plan, the stations that share the same menu components, should be arranged next to each other.

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Layout for Your Restaurant?

If there is plenty of space in the kitchen, then we have no problem. But what if we have to come up with a kitchen layout for a small restaurant? It is not easy to find a perfect small commercial kitchen design, especially when we are on a budget, and hiring a professional interior designer is not an option. Remember to browse the internet. There are plenty of news, stories and advice. You can always reach out to people who work or used to work at small commercial kitchens. They might give you some guidelines on how to make it all work. Which elements are crucial, and which are unnecessary?

How to Achieve a Modern Restaurant Kitchen Design?

Let us not forget, we are dealing here with a small kitchen space. But simplicity can be a synonym for modern. Get only those really important components, and try not to clutter the kitchen area too much. A commercial kitchen needs some industrial strength equipment. Fortunately, some foodservice equipment manufacturers came up with many compact and multipurpose appliances, that will help you save up some space for working areas. If you are planning to hire more than one person for the kitchen, consider that they both need to have their own working stations there.

What About the Staff?

Yes, so as we mentioned above – if you need to hire a chef and a chef’s helper, you should remember that those people need some space to move around and some space to chop, stir, fry and mix. Team work will do a lot of good here, but there is also the need to come up with a mini restaurant kitchen design that will be as comfortable for the employees as possible. Do not forget about the safety requirements too. Try to get as much counter space as possible. Yes, it might seem a bit hard at first, but if you try to plan and organize your restaurant kitchen layout well enough, you will be surprised by how much space can be gained.

What About an Island in your Kitchen?

An island in the kitchen is a perfect way to gain more counter space. Let us be honest here though – if the kitchen at your restaurant is rather small, the design of its layout might not include an island. It all depends on its size and shape. No worries! There are other ways to get that extra space to cut the cucumbers and make those delicious meals! Maximize the limits of shelves, so there will be less things on countertops. And if you happen to be able to fit that island there – congratulations! More countertop space and more storages units will be available in your commercial kitchen!

Commercial Kitchen Necessities

Even though, there are some cool layout ideas for a small restaurant kitchen, you still need to take some things under consideration. Even the smallest commercial kitchen requires at least two sinks. Ovens, freezers and refrigerators, safety equipment, mixers, slicers, food processors, ranges and ventilation. Seems a lot, right? And that was just a main list. What about plates and other small accessories? Before you make any arrangements, make a list of items that you need to put and store in your commercial kitchen. When it comes to the storage of those smaller items – sometimes all you need is to possess those good organization skills.

Find That Extra Storage Space!

A good layout design for a small commercial kitchen will definitely include some awesome ideas when it comes to storage units. While some restaurants have that extra room to store some of the kitchen accessories, other eateries need to deal with small space, therefore there is not enough room for some of the excessive things. Try to use up the space above the fridge. Or see if you can add some extra shelves in different areas. Use containers to organize your kitchen items. Good planning will do some good here for sure!

What About the Color?

If you look up some of the restaurant kitchen design ideas, you might see that some designers advise to use brighter colors for an optimum effect. Go with soft tones, like off-white. Lighter colors are good for our well-being and it was proven, that if we work in pleasantly looking office space (in this case – bright kitchen), we tend to be happier and work more effectively. Make sure there is a lot of day light in the kitchen. And if that is not possible – invest in those special bulbs, that imitate the daylight. Your employees will definitely appreciate that!

Look for The Best Price

When you eventually make a list of items for your commercial kitchen, and when you come up with a layout for that small restaurant kitchen, then you will need to go shopping. Before you make any purchases, make sure to compare prices. There are many manufacturers, so the prices should be competitive. Read the product reviews and remember to check all the delivery dates. There is a chance that different commercial kitchen appliances might need some additional time to be delivered.

Try to Find Any Additional Storage Space

Take advantage of an open wall space if possible. It can be a perfect way to store some additional items. Organize things according to the way you will be using them. Throw the less needed ones on top shelves, and put the often-used ones at your fingertips, in more accessible areas, so there will be no unnecessary commotion in the kitchen, while searching for the right items. Keep it organized and keep it simple! It will definitely pay off.

A carefully planned commercial kitchen layout will make your restaurant run effectively. Let your kitchen flow! Remember that the kitchen equipment should be placed strategically. You can also create an energy efficient commercial kitchen, that will definitely help you save up some money. With a bit of a hard work and a dash of imagination, as well as some cool inspirations from the Internet, you will definitely come up with the best commercial kitchen layout idea! And with all that, the success and prosperity of your restaurant is closer than you think!

I have extensive knowledge and expertise in the topic of designing small spaces, including small restaurant kitchen design. I can provide you with valuable information and insights to help you overcome the challenges of designing a small restaurant kitchen. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article and explore them further.

Importance of Organization in Small Restaurant Kitchen Design

When dealing with a small restaurant kitchen, organization is key. Maximizing the use of space and ensuring everything has its place can greatly enhance efficiency. By utilizing clever storage solutions and arranging stations that share the same menu components next to each other, you can optimize the workflow and make the most of the available space.

Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Layout for a Small Restaurant

Designing a kitchen layout for a small restaurant can be a daunting task, especially when you're on a budget and hiring a professional interior designer is not an option. However, there are resources available to help you. Browsing the internet for small commercial kitchen design ideas and seeking advice from people who work or have worked in small commercial kitchens can provide valuable guidance.

Achieving a Modern Restaurant Kitchen Design in a Small Space

While working with a small kitchen space, simplicity can be the key to achieving a modern design. Focus on incorporating only the essential components and avoid cluttering the kitchen area. Fortunately, there are compact and multipurpose appliances available from foodservice equipment manufacturers that can help you save space while maintaining functionality.

Considering the Needs of the Staff

When designing a small restaurant kitchen, it's important to consider the needs of the staff. If you plan to hire multiple people for the kitchen, ensure that each person has their own working station. Providing enough space for movement and tasks like chopping, stirring, frying, and mixing is crucial for the comfort and efficiency of the staff. Additionally, don't forget to adhere to safety requirements and provide ample counter space.

Utilizing Additional Storage Space

In a small commercial kitchen, storage space is often limited. However, there are ways to maximize storage capacity. Consider using the space above the fridge and adding extra shelves in different areas. Utilize containers to organize kitchen items effectively. Good planning and organization skills can go a long way in optimizing storage in a small space.

Importance of Color and Lighting

The color scheme and lighting in a restaurant kitchen can have a significant impact on the overall ambiance and productivity. Opt for brighter colors, such as off-white, to create a pleasant and visually appealing environment. Adequate natural light is ideal, but if that's not possible, invest in special bulbs that mimic daylight. Well-lit and visually appealing spaces can contribute to a happier and more effective work environment .

Shopping for Commercial Kitchen Equipment

When it comes to purchasing equipment for your commercial kitchen, it's important to compare prices and read product reviews. Different manufacturers offer competitive prices, so thorough research can help you find the best deals. Additionally, consider the delivery dates, as some appliances may require additional time for delivery.

Creating an Energy-Efficient Commercial Kitchen

In addition to designing an efficient layout, you can also focus on creating an energy-efficient commercial kitchen. This can help you save money in the long run. Consider energy-efficient appliances and implement practices that promote energy conservation, such as using timers and optimizing ventilation systems.

By following these guidelines and incorporating your own creativity and inspiration, you can design a small restaurant kitchen that maximizes space, efficiency, and functionality. Remember, a well-planned layout and thoughtful design choices can contribute to the success and prosperity of your restaurant.

Kitchen Layout for a Small Restaurant | UpMenu (2024)
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