Restaurants have an average profit margin of 3-5%, but that can range widely from 0-15%. That wide range and a restaurant’s overall success can be attributed to the first impression made upon guests. It only takes
27 seconds for a restaurant to make a good first impression. If you want to create an exceptional first impression for your restaurant, then it is important to focus on creating a great ambience, inside and out.
The first impression made by a restaurant’s external ambience is the difference between guests walking through the door and placing an order, or going elsewhere to eat. Ambience all starts with making sure your restaurant is clean. Cleanliness is one of the first things customers will notice and it can easily make or break their opinion of your establishment. It can be the difference between a customer returning or never coming back. Keep reading to find out how you can improve your restaurant’s ambience, and how PDX ProWash can help.
4 Tips to Improve Restaurant Exterior Ambience
Here are 4 tips on how you can clean your restaurant exterior and improve its ambience.
1. Power Wash Your Parking Lot
A dirty and littered parking lot can make visitors think the inside is no better. A parking lot is the first thing your guests will see when they arrive, so make sure to power wash your parking lot, driveways, and pavements regularly to keep them clean and inviting.
Do you need professional cleaning services in Portland that can help you clean your parking lot, driveway and pavement? At PDX ProWash, we offer a wide range of cleaning services that are designed to keep your restaurant looking its best.
2. Power Wash the Façade
The facade of your restaurant says a lot about your business. If it is dirty and uninviting, potential customers may be turned off before they even step foot inside. They may get the impression that your business is unprofessional and unclean.
Make sure to power wash the facade of your restaurant at least once or twice a year to remove any dirt, dust, leaves, and graffiti from the exterior of your building. This will give your restaurant a clean and polished look. Also, consider cleaning the gutters regularly and power washing the siding to maintain a neat appearance.
Additionally, check for any signs of mold and mildew – especially if your restaurant is in the cool wet climate of Portland. PDX ProWash offers professional power washing services in Portland that can help you clean the facade of your restaurant. We use the latest power washing equipment and techniques to clean the exterior of your building quickly and effectively. Call us at 503-404-4535.
3. Professionally Clean the Windows
Dirty windows filter light, making the ambience of the whole room feel darker and dirty. Clean windows brighten up the space and make it feel more inviting. They also give guests a clear view of the interior of your restaurant.
Make sure to clean your windows regularly, both inside and out. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional window cleaning company like PDX ProWash. We offer expert window cleaning services in Portland that will leave your windows sparkling clean.
Window cleaning is not as easy as it looks. It requires the use of specialized equipment and solutions to clean both the inside and outside of your windows. If you don’t have the time or expertise to do this, we recommend hiring a professional window cleaning company like PDX ProWash. At PDX ProWash, we use the latest window cleaning equipment and solutions to clean your windows quickly and effectively. We also have the experience and expertise to safely clean high windows.
4. Power Wash the Deck or Patio
Outdoor seating and dining is a great way to enhance a restaurant’s ambience, if the weather permits for it. With the increase in outdoor dining due to COVID-19, even in places with less than ideal weather like Portland, OR, outdoor ambience has become even more important to a restaurant’s profits.
Keep your outdoor dining area clean and ready for guests by power washing the deck or patio. It can be difficult to keep decks preserved and presentable over a long period of time because of the constant exposure to the elements. Year-round cleaning and maintenance are necessary and often require a specialized touch. Proactive and preventative care will help keep your deck looking great and lasting longer, while protecting it from common problems in Portland, like rot, mold, and algae.
6 Tips To Improve Restaurant Interior Ambience
To boost ambience inside your restaurant, ensure that the interior is clean and hygienic. Also, set the right mood with these 6 considerations:
1. Effective Lighting
The lighting in your restaurant has a big impact on the ambience. Too much light can be harsh, intrusive, and unflattering. Too little light can make it difficult to see your food and dining companions.
For a warm and inviting ambience, we recommend using dimmable LED lights. These bulbs give off a soft and flattering light that is perfect for setting the mood in a restaurant. You can also use accent lighting to add interest and depth to your space.
2. Appetizing Colors
The colors you use in your restaurant also have a big impact on the ambience. Certain colors are known to stimulate the appetite while others can have a calming effect.
Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are known to stimulate the appetite and create a lively atmosphere. These colors are perfect for busy restaurants that want to encourage guests to order quickly and move on to the next table.
Cooler colors like blue and green have a calming effect and can help guests relax. These colors are ideal for slower-paced restaurants where guests want to take their time and enjoy their meal.
3. Create Harmony with Music
You can heavily influence your restaurant ambience with music. Select music that is consistent with the mood and theme of your restaurant. Uptempo music is perfect for busy restaurants that want to keep guests moving, while slower-paced music is better for more laid back restaurants where guests want to relax and take their time.
It’s important to also pay attention to the volume of the music. If it’s too loud, it feels intrusive and uncomfortable, but if it’s too quiet it’s like it’s not even there. Consider adjusting the music and the volume throughout the day to accommodate the noise level and mood.
4. Consider the Layout & Space
The layout and space of your restaurant heavily impacts the ambience. If your restaurant is too cramped, it can feel claustrophobic and unwelcoming. On the other hand, if your restaurant is too open, it can feel cold and uninviting.
The best way to find the perfect balance for your restaurant is to experiment with different layouts and see what works best for your space. Try to strike a balance between cozy and airy, depending on the space and the style.
5. Unique Furniture & Decor
If your furniture is old and outdated, it can make your restaurant feel cheap and uninviting. On the other hand, if your furniture is too modern or trendy, it can make your restaurant feel cold and generic.
Always consider form and function when furnishing and decorating your restaurant. This means making sure the furnishings are comfortable and easy to clean, in addition to being consistent with the restaurant’s style.
6. Staff Set the Tone
Ultimately, one of the most important parts of your business’s ambience (and success in general) is the demeanor of your staff. You can improve ambience by hiring and training your staff to be friendly and welcoming. Happy and comfortable staff make for happy and comfortable guests.
Improve Restaurant Ambience With PDX ProWash
Cleanliness can boost ambience, and ambience always starts with the exterior. A clean exterior is as important as a clean interior. PDX ProWash has years of experience power washing parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, facades, windows, and more. We offer a wide range of services to help keep your restaurant looking its best.
Contact us or schedule an online appointment today. We would be more than happy to discuss your specific needs and create a custom cleaning plan for your restaurant.