June 28th, 2023

How to Boost Restaurant & Cafe Profits with Better Lighting

Boost Restaurant & Cafe Profits with Better Lighting

Want the Action Sheet ? Click Here

Restaurant lighting is more complex than just flicking a switch. It can make the place feel inviting and help customers enjoy their meals. Using too much or too little or mixing it in the wrong way can spoil the experience. There are many factors to consider, like brightness, colour, energy use, types of globes, equipment cost, and time of day.

When you master the art of lighting, your venue will really shine, with a welcoming feeling that enhances an attractive design. You can read the menu easily, the food on your plate looks appetising, and you can even take a great photo of your meal to share with friends. You will save energy, set up costs, and create the perfect customer mood.

What’s covered in this article…

1. Where to focus on creating great restaurant lighting
2. Understanding the technical details of lighting
3. Choose the right lighting for food displays
4. Considerations for concealed or direct lighting
5. Adjusting brightness and using dimmers in restaurant lighting
6. Using centralised lighting control systems for the whole venue.
7. Exterior lighting to make a strong impact
8. Be careful with neon feature lights and signs
9. Use lighting to promote the restaurant when you’re closed
10. Upgrading your lighting during a renovation
11. How to use a lighting consultant to save money and make good choices

1. Where to focus on creating great restaurant lighting

Entrance Lighting: The entrance is the first point of contact for customers and sets the mood. Appropriate outdoor lighting can make the restaurant inviting. Lighting can also be used to highlight signage or architectural features.

Reception Area: A well-lit reception gives a warm welcome to guests. IT needs functional lighting for practical purposes and should blend with the overall aesthetic.

Dining Area: Different types of restaurants require different lighting moods. Fine dining restaurants usually have soft, intimate lighting with adjustable dimmers, while casual dining spaces, like cafes, may prefer bright, natural lighting that creates a cheerful environment.

For daytime, maximise natural light through windows. Consider light-diffusing window treatments if the sunlight is too intense. For the night, you need a balance between ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a comfortable environment.

Bar or Counter Area: Here, you need a combination of functional and ambient lighting. Highlight this area with pendants or other attractive fixtures. Dimmable lights are useful, allowing for adjustments based on time of day or event.

Kitchen: This area requires bright, task-oriented lighting for food preparation safety. LED panel lights are a common choice due to their high visibility and energy efficiency. Strip lighting tubes or globes should not be visible from the dining area.

Bathrooms: Should be well-lit for practical use but also need to maintain the overall style of the restaurant. Customers checking their appearance will appreciate a soft light source that is flattering.

Outdoor Dining: Use lighting to create a relaxing environment for al fresco dining. Soft, diffuse light sources, like fairy lights or lanterns, can provide a charming atmosphere. Ensure there’s sufficient lighting for practical purposes, like reading menus.

Exterior Lighting: Creating a striking exterior lighting scheme can increase your restaurant’s visibility and attract customers (see separate section below).

Art and Architectural Details: Use accent lighting to highlight artworks, unique architectural details or table settings. This adds to the visual interest and draws the customer’s attention to the features of the restaurant you want to highlight.

Emergency Lighting: For safety, you must install emergency lights and exit signs as per local regulations. These lights should be tested regularly to ensure they function in the event of a power outage.

Sustainability: while initially more expensive, LED lighting saves money in the long run and is more sustainable. Using smart systems can allow for automatic dimming and switching off when areas are unoccupied.

In all lighting designs, ensure consistency with the restaurant’s theme and branding while keeping the comfort and convenience of guests in mind. Good lighting can enhance the dining experience, influencing the customer’s perception of the cuisine and overall service.

2. Understanding the Technical Details of Lighting

Understanding the technical side of light can help you make informed decisions for your lighting design and avoid expensive mistakes if you buy the wrong equipment.

Lumens: This measures the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light appears. For example, a dining area might require around 250-400 lumens per square metre, whereas the kitchen area might need around 500 lumens per square metre due to its functional requirements.

Lux: Lux is a measure of illuminance, referring to the amount of light falling on a surface. One lux is equal to one lumen per square metre. This is crucial when determining how much of a light source is needed to illuminate a given space.

Colour Temperature: Measured in Kelvin (K), this refers to the warmth or coolness of the light. Lower temperatures (1,000 – 3,000K) produce a warmer, more yellow light, while higher temperatures (5,000 – 10,000K) produce a cooler, bluish light. Mid-range temperatures (3,000 – 5,000K) produce a more neutral, white light. For example, a fine dining restaurant may prefer warmer, more intimate lighting, around 2,200K, while a fast-food restaurant might opt for a more neutral to cool lighting, around 3,500K to 4,500K.

Colour Rendering Index (CRI): This measures how accurately a light source reveals the true colours of objects, people, and surroundings. The index is measured from 0-100, with a higher CRI indicating a more accurate colour depiction under the light. A CRI above 80 is typically good for a restaurant, with 90 or above being excellent.

Wattage: This refers to the energy use of a lightbulb. While it doesn’t directly correlate to brightness, it does impact energy consumption. LED lights, for example, provide more lumens per watt, making them more energy-efficient.

LED Lighting: This has greatly improved over the years, and it’s now possible to achieve a wide range of colour temperatures and brightness levels with LEDs. However, there can be potential downsides:

  • Quality of Light: Cheaper LED lights can sometimes produce a harsh, bright light, which might not create the right atmosphere for a restaurant setting. Look for LEDs with a lower colour temperature (around 2700K – 3000K) for a warm, ambient glow.
  • Dimming: While many LED lights are dimmable, not all dim in the same way as traditional incandescent or halogen lights. Some LEDs might not dim as smoothly or flicker or buzz at lower brightness levels.
  • Colour Rendering Index (CRI): Some LED lights have a low CRI, which can make food and décor look less appealing.

3. Choose the right lighting for food displays

The main goal of a food display counter is to present the food in the most appealing and appetising way possible – functionality and aesthetics are important.

Brightness (Lumens and Lux) The brightness should be high enough to illuminate the food well and attract attention. However, too much light can create harsh shadows or glare. Around 300-500 lux is typically suitable for food display counters.

Colour Temperature: The right temperature can make the food look fresh and inviting. A warm light (around 2,700 – 3,000K) is usually good for highlighting baked goods or similar items because it enhances the brown and golden tones. On the other hand, fresh produce often looks best under slightly cooler light (around 3,500K) as it brings out the vibrancy of the colours.

Colour Rendering Index (CRI): A high CRI (above 90) is crucial for food display lighting. This ensures the light source accurately represents the food’s true colours. High-CRI lighting can make the food look fresh, appetising, and appealing.

Type of Lighting: Spotlights are an excellent choice for a food display counter. They focus light directly on the items, highlighting them and creating contrast with the surrounding areas. LED lights are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and longevity.

Avoid lighting that produces too much heat, as it could affect the quality of the food. LED lights are again an advantage here, as they emit less heat than traditional bulbs.

4. Considerations for concealed or direct restaurant lighting

They both play important roles in setting the mood and functionality of a space.

Concealed Lighting: This form of lighting is hidden, with the light source not directly visible. It’s often used for aesthetic and mood-setting purposes.

Ambience: Concealed lighting is excellent for creating a soft, diffuse light that enhances the overall ambience. It’s often used in coves, behind panels, or under counters to provide a glowing effect. Fluorescent tubes with the right colour can be an inexpensive and effective option here.

Highlighting Features: Use concealed lighting to highlight architectural features, artwork, or display areas. This can add depth and dimension to the space.

Practical Considerations: The fixtures must be accessible for maintenance and bulb replacement. Also, consider heat dispersion – if the lights get too hot, they could potentially damage the structure they’re housed within and even cause a fire.

Direct Lighting: Lighting is aimed at a particular area or object. It’s used when you want to draw attention or provide adequate illumination for tasks.

Task Lighting: Direct lighting is crucial for specific tasks, such as the kitchen or dining tables or using the Point of Sale. It should provide sufficient illumination for the task without causing glare.

Highlighting: Use direct lighting to spotlight particular features or areas, such as food display counters or bar tops.

Control: Consider using adjustable fixtures for direct lighting. This allows you to change the direction of the light source as needed.

While dim lighting can provide a certain ambience, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your customer’s comfort and convenience – if they can’t read the menu or wine list, sales will likely be less!

5. Adjusting brightness and using dimmers in restaurant lighting

Here are the key points to consider:

Atmosphere Creation: The ability to adjust the brightness in your restaurant allows you to create different moods and atmospheres at different times. For example, a bright, lively atmosphere is often desired during the day, while a more intimate, cosy setting is preferred in the evenings.

Energy Efficiency: Dimmers can help save energy. You can significantly reduce energy consumption by lowering the light levels during off-peak hours or in areas where full brightness is not required.

Extending Bulb Life: Using dimmers can extend your light bulbs’ lifespan. Dimming the lights reduces the power load on the bulb, which can help it last longer.

Zoning: Consider dividing your restaurant into different lighting zones, each controlled by its own dimmer. This allows you to adjust lighting according to the specific needs of each area. For instance, you might want brighter light in the kitchen and bar areas while opting for dimmer lights in the dining area.

LED Compatibility: If you plan to use LED lights, ensure your dimmers are LED-compatible. Not all dimmers work well with LED lights; an incompatible dimmer can cause flickering or a reduced dimming range.

Dimming Range: Make sure you consider the dimming range when purchasing dimmers. You want a dimmer that can go from very bright to dim without flickering or buzzing.

6. Using centralised lighting control systems for the whole venue.

It’s not long before your lighting system is quite complex, and an overall control system will make sense. It can also enable remote control and the use of pre-set timers. When looking for a system, consider these features:

Dimming Capabilities: The system should allow for dimming control over all light fixtures. This lets you adjust the lighting levels throughout the day and for different sections of the restaurant.

Zoning Capabilities: This enables you to divide the restaurant into different zones, each with its own lighting control. For example, the bar, dining area, and kitchen can each be a separate zone.

Scheduling Features: A system with scheduling capabilities allows you to program lighting changes at specific times. For instance, you could program the system to gradually dim the lights as the evening progresses.

Scene Setting: Some systems allow you to program and save various ‘scenes’. Each scene represents a particular lighting setup, so you can quickly change the entire restaurant’s lighting to fit a specific mood or event.

Remote Access: The ability to control your lighting system remotely can be a valuable feature. This would allow you to adjust lighting settings from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet.

Integration: Look for a system that can integrate with other systems in your restaurant, such as the sound system, security system, or even HVAC. This provides streamlined control over various aspects of the restaurant’s operations.

Energy Monitoring: Some advanced systems offer features to monitor energy usage, helping you identify efficiency opportunities.

Make sure the system is compatible with the types of lights you plan to use, and seek advice from a professional to ensure the system fits your specific needs and is installed correctly.

7. Exterior lighting to make a strong impact

Creating a striking exterior lighting scheme can increase your visibility and attract customers. It’s a key part of your 24/7 ‘drive-by marketing’. Here are some key considerations:

Building Features: Highlight architectural features of the building to add interest and depth. This could involve using uplights, downlights, or spotlights to draw attention to unique architectural elements.

Signage: Ensure your restaurant’s name and logo are well-lit and clearly visible. Backlit or front-lit signs can create a strong impact. The sign should also reflect the style and atmosphere of the restaurant.

Entrance: The entrance is a critical area that should be brightly lit to make it inviting and easy to find. Consider using warm lighting to create a welcoming ambience.

Window Display: If your restaurant has large windows, make use of this by ensuring the interior lighting draws people in. The view into your restaurant can serve as an enticing preview of the dining experience.

Landscape Lighting: If you have outdoor areas or landscaping, use lighting to highlight these features. Gardens, paths, or fairy lights can add charm and make outdoor spaces inviting. Strings of coloured or white lights can quickly add a festive feeling – they’re easy to buy from a hardware store.

Safety: Ensure all walkways, stairs, and car parks are well-lit to prevent accidents.

Energy Efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient options such as LED lights. They last longer and consume less energy, which can be significant given outdoor lights are often on for long periods.

Local Regulations: Check local regulations regarding outdoor lighting, as there may be restrictions on brightness, light direction, or even the colour of lighting you can use.

Control Systems: Consider using a control system for the exterior lighting that can adjust based on the time of day or weather conditions.

The goal is to make a strong impact and reflect the character and quality of your restaurant or cafe, giving a visual taste of the experience awaiting customers inside.

8. Be careful with neon feature lights and signs

Neon can be a fantastic way to create a visual point of interest, and it’s great for social media engagement. It should enhance the overall atmosphere of your restaurant and align with your branding. Sometimes it can be too bright and cause poor photo results. Here’s how to specify it so it’s bold but not excessively bright:

  • Brightness Control: Look for neon signs that have built-in dimmers.
  • Placement: Place your neon sign on a wall that doesn’t receive direct other light sources.
  • Colour: Warmer colours like red, orange, and pink look less bright than cooler ones like white, blue, or green.
  • Size and Design: Large signs can overwhelm a space and look too bright – smaller ones may be better.
  • Photography Tips: Some simple photography tips (like turning off the flash, or adjusting the exposure on their phone camera) can help your customers take better pictures.

9. Use lighting to promote the restaurant when you’re closed

Carefully lighting your interior overnight, plus good outside illumination gives you 24/7 promotion. It will catch the eye of potential customers and create a welcoming impression. The low running costs of LED lighting now make this an economic proposition.

Interior Lighting: Leave some of your interior lights on low intensity to show off your restaurant’s interior. This can create an inviting glow without using much power.

Accent Lighting: Highlight certain features of your restaurant using accent lighting. This could be an interesting design feature, artwork, or food display. Use LED lights for this purpose as they consume less power and have a longer lifespan.

Window Display: If you have large windows, consider setting up a small display that can be well-lit with a couple of spotlights. This could involve a nicely set table or your restaurant’s branding elements.

Signage: Make sure your restaurant’s sign is well-lit. This helps with visibility and makes the establishment look inviting. LEDs are ideal for this as they can be clearly seen from a distance and consume less power.

Outdoor Lighting: If you have an outdoor area, use strategic, low-intensity lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. Consider solar-powered lights for this, as they don’t consume any power from the grid.

Energy-Efficient Bulbs: LEDs and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They may be more expensive initially but will save you money in the long run.

10. Upgrading your lighting during a renovation

Revamping the lighting in your restaurant or cafe can dramatically improve its atmosphere and energy efficiency, even when working with a tight budget. Here are some cost-effective suggestions:

Replace Incandescent Bulbs: If your restaurant currently uses incandescent bulbs, one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take is to replace them with LED or CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights) bulbs. They use significantly less energy and have a much longer lifespan.

Install Dimmers: Adding dimmer switches is a relatively simple change that can significantly impact your restaurant’s atmosphere. They allow you to adjust lighting levels for different times of the day or for different events.

Use Light Reflectors: If your current lighting fixtures don’t already have them, consider adding reflectors. They help direct the light where it’s needed, which means you can achieve the same illumination level with less energy.

Upgrade Lighting Controls: Invest in a modern lighting control system to control all lights from one centralised location. This can help manage energy use more efficiently by ensuring lights are only on when necessary.

Install Task Lighting: Rather than relying on general lighting for the whole space, consider installing task lighting in areas where it’s needed, such as above tables or the bar. This can reduce the overall amount of lighting required.

Improve Natural Light: Make the most of natural light by adding mirrors or using light-coloured decor to reflect light around the room. If you’re also renovating the windows, opt for larger ones to let more daylight in.

Use Motion Sensors: In areas that are not constantly in use, such as toilets or storage rooms, install motion sensor lights. They’ll ensure lights are only on when someone is in the room.

Regular Maintenance: Keep your lighting fixtures clean and replace burnt-out bulbs promptly. Dust and grime can reduce light output, causing you to use more lights than necessary.

Professional advice can be invaluable even with a small budget. Consulting with a lighting expert can help you pinpoint where your money will be best spent.

11. How to use a restaurant lighting consultant to save money and make good choices

Background – give information about the seating arrangements, size, amount of natural light, the theme and the opening hours. Also, the demographics, the desired atmosphere, the desire to balance aesthetics and functionality, and the need for energy efficiency. The lighting should also encourage patrons to take photos, especially with a feature wall.

Our key considerations are:

  • The successful integration of natural and artificial lighting.
  • The use of dimmers and modern control systems for different lighting moods.
  • Effective use of various lighting fixtures for the food display counter ensures food always looks appealing.
  • Effective exterior lighting creates a strong impact and invites customers in.
  • Energy-efficient options for lighting the interior at night when we are closed.
  • Recommendations for the brightness and colour of our neon feature lighting, ensuring it’s bold but not overly bright.

Check the other useful blog posts on the Foodie Coaches website…

Want to get some 1 on 1 help? Talk to one of our coaches

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

TURN INTENTIONS INTO ACTION

Get a free 15-minute consultation and recommended solutions with one of our coaches.