Choosing the Right Space: A Guide to Restaurant Sizes and Examples
Size is a critical factor when choosing a restaurant space. Different sizes cater to varying business models and customer needs. Let’s explore the different categories of restaurant spaces and provide some examples to illustrate each one.
Large Restaurant – 4,000 Sq. Ft. Plus
Large restaurants offer ample space for extensive dining areas, larger kitchens, and more comprehensive service. These spaces are ideal for restaurants that aim to serve a high volume of customers and offer a broad menu.
Example: Texas Roadhouse
- Location: Nationwide
- Size: Typically 5,000 – 7,000 Sq. Ft.
- Highlights: Texas Roadhouse is known for its lively atmosphere and extensive menu featuring steaks, ribs, and hearty American fare. The ample space accommodates a spacious dining area, a bar section, and a bustling kitchen.
Medium Restaurant – 1,500 – 4,000 Sq. Ft.
Medium-sized restaurants balance offering a comfortable dining experience and maintaining a manageable space. These venues are perfect for casual dining establishments and fast-casual concepts.
Example: Subway Sandwiches
- Location: Worldwide
- Size: Typically 1,500 – 2,500 Sq. Ft.
- Highlights: Subway restaurants are a go-to for quick, healthy meals. The medium size allows for a counter-service model with ample seating for customers to enjoy their made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
Small Restaurant – 500-1,500 Sq. Ft.
Small restaurants are cozy and intimate, often fostering close customer connections. These spaces are ideal for niche eateries, cafes, and specialty shops.
Example: Smoothie King
- Location: Nationwide
- Size: Typically 800 – 1,200 Sq. Ft.
- Highlights: Smoothie King focuses on healthy, delicious smoothies and snacks. The small size is perfect for a streamlined service area and a few seating options, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious patrons on the go.
Drive-Through Only
Drive-through restaurants are designed for convenience, catering to customers looking for quick service without leaving their vehicles. These spaces are efficient and require minimal indoor space.
Examples: Human Bean, Scooter’s Coffee
- Location: Nationwide
- Size: Typically under 1,000 sq. Ft.
- Highlights: Human Bean and Scooter’s Coffee are known for their efficient drive-through service, which offers high-quality coffee and beverages. These compact setups focus on speed and convenience, providing a quick stop for busy commuters.
Tiny Restaurant – Kiosk – Mini
Tiny restaurants, including kiosks and mini setups, are the epitome of efficient space usage. These establishments are perfect for high-traffic areas like malls, airports, and event spaces.
Example: Small Coffee Walkup – Snowcone Stand
- Location: Various
- Size: Typically under 500 Sq. Ft.
- Highlights: Tiny eateries like small coffee walkups or snowcone stands are about simplicity and quick service. These setups can be incredibly versatile, offering a limited but focused menu, and are easy to relocate or set up in temporary locations.
Food Truck
Food trucks provide the ultimate flexibility in location and service style. These mobile kitchens can serve a wide variety of foods and are perfect for events, street food markets, and busy urban areas.
Example: Taco Truck
- Location: Various
- Size: Typically 100 – 200 Sq. Ft.
- Highlights: Food trucks like taco trucks offer a compact yet fully functional kitchen on wheels. They bring culinary delights directly to customers, offering everything from gourmet tacos to street-style eats. Their mobility allows them to reach diverse audiences and adapt to different events and locations.
When choosing a restaurant space, consider your business model, target audience, and the type of dining experience you wish to offer. Whether you’re looking to create a bustling eatery with extensive seating or a small, intimate café, there’s a perfect space waiting for you. At Available Restaurant Space, we’re here to help you find the ideal location that fits your needs and allows you to succeed.