There are numerous elements that contribute to the success of a hospitality business. We are going to focus on the layout and how it can increase profitability. Layout has a strong impact on the customer and your ability to service the customer.

When developing a space plan for your restaurant, nightclub or even retail store there are a few issues that must be addressed.

1. Where do you want to lead your clientele

2. How does the staff relate to the clientele

The answer to the first question is simple. You want t to lead the customer to the area that generates the revenue. For example, in a nightclub you want to lead them to the bar. In a restaurant your target areas are the tables. In a retail store you want to lead the customer to the merchandise. You need to evaluate which areas of your business generates the most revenue and that is where you lead the customer.

Now lets look at the second question. In all cases the staff must serve the customer but, how the customer is served will vary from business to business. In a restaurant or nightclub the staff needs ample room to serve the food and drink to the customer while maintaining room for customer flow. In a retail store environment your employees need to help the client with selection of merchandising and fittings as well as ring up the customer. The quality of service the customer receives is equally as important as getting the customer to the desired location. The layout of your space can greatly enhance or hinder the customer service process.

Once you have determined where you want to lead your clientele and have analyzed how your clientele relates to the staff. You must analyze the most effective way to do that within your floor space / area. Here are a few key points to get you started.

• Location of key elements: bar, merchandise, dance floor, lounge area, rest rooms, fitting rooms, cashier, etc
• Creating a good customer flow
• Floor space / area vs anticipated capacity
• Analysis of the different types of activities happening within the space and how much floor space / area each activity needs
• How do the activities relate to one another
• Is your staff fully equipped to service your customers
• Is the staff satisfied with the layout of their equipment
• How can you optimize the staffs working environment

A good way to get started with this process is by creating bubble plans or adjacency plans. These plans can help you determine the location of key elements, analyse your activities and see if the relationship is appropriate. An interior design firm can help you with these issues especially in determining the floor space / area each activity needs.

In summary, you want to create a layout that moves your clientele through the space without creating bottle necks. Develop a space that creates a total environment that is conducive to your staff and leaves the customer with a pleasant experience. Also keep in mind that creating one area that generates cash in not always the most effective method. You want to optimize your floor space / area by placing several smaller key purchase points. Therefore, leading your customers through the space while generating revenue from several areas of your building. In the end layout and design can increase profitability and has a strong impact on the customer and your ability to service the customer.