Restaurant Design Trends for 2021

Restaurant design, kitchens, and the dining customer experience has been changing over the past few years and with the COVID pandemic, it may be changing again.The architects at EMPAD Architecture & Design have been designing both franchise and private owner restaurants over the past 17 years for various types of restaurateurs ranging from small quick service restaurants and drive-thrus to unique concept, full-service elegant dining establishments.  Some trending concepts over the past several years have included more open seating, high ceilings, and exposed structure concepts. These aspects create a modern yet interactive dining experience with a connection to the built environment. In addition, the open and visible cook line kitchens are a new age design so that the patrons can see the preparation of food and the cooking process.  Covered outdoor dining areas are always a great addition to the dining concept as well and we have learned their increased importance this…