Maximize your restaurant's space.

Maximize your establishment's space while promoting social distancing.

You may be looking to reopen your restaurant or bar after the Coronavirus outbreak. To start welcoming and seating customers again, it will be crucial to set up your dining space to promote healthy distancing. We have compiled our ideas to help you maximize the number of customers you can serve while maintaining distance between customers. With a little planning and the right equipment, you can set up your restaurant to serve your customers and keep them safe.

Room layout while maintaining social distancing

If your restaurant has a dining area, it is important to properly space customers at all points in the space. Whether in an order line, seated at tables, or even in the bathroom line, your customers should always be separated to maintain a distance of 1.5 to 2 meters. This can be a challenge in small spaces, so here are some tips on how best to do it.

Space between tables

Tables should be spaced so that customers can maintain five feet of distance while eating. Some customers may eat together, but they should be separated from other customers. Make sure to arrange tables and seating according to your reservations.

If you have bar seating, you will need to space the stools further apart to allow more space between guests.

Remove unused furniture

If you space out the tables, you will likely have furniture and tables that don't fit in the space. Store what you don't need and you will prevent your customers from feeling uncomfortable.

If you cannot remove the tables, consider adding a tablecloth only to the tables that can be used, and use signs to block off the other tables.

Offer a sanitiser or disinfectant

Provide disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer in your restaurant for customer use. This can increase customers' comfort level and also promote sanitary conditions.

Mark space with lines for queues

The bathroom or checkout line may not be on your mind when thinking about reopening your restaurant, but it is essential to space out queues for proper distancing. Mark well-spaced areas for lines in the bathroom and in the exit/entry areas to keep customers safe. Use ropes or signs to mark five feet of distance for customers.

Use outdoor space for additional tables

If your restaurant's space is not optimal for social distancing, but you still need space to seat customers, try adapting your outdoor areas. Even if you don't have a designated patio, you can easily seat customers outside using some creativity.

Patio seating

Your restaurant's patio can be a place to add extra seating. Space out tables like indoor seating to continue promoting social distancing. Be sure to store any additional furniture that cannot be used due to space limitations and use your creativity to set the ambiance.

Terrace or parking space

Maximize your terrace by checking the facilities that can be provided to you depending on the territory. Do you have your own parking lot for your restaurant? Use part of your land for additional customer tables. This space can help accommodate more customers who otherwise would not be able to be seated due to space issues.

If you don't have any outdoor seating, try folding tables and chairs for comfortable and quick seating.