Published: Exploring Ba Bar Green’s Plant Based SE Asian Street Food Menus

I published “Exploring Ba Bar Green’s Plant Based SE Asian Street Food Menus” on @Medium

Published: Tips for Running a More Sustainable Restaurant

I published “Tips for Running a More Sustainable Restaurant” on @Medium

The Importance of Restaurant Design

 Eric Banh and his sister, Sophie Banh, opened Monsoon Seattle in 1999 with minimalist design and have received accolades from Seattle Magazine, The Stranger, Eater Seattle, USA Today, and 10Best. Monsoon owners decided to keep the interior design simple, contributing to its success. Monsoon illustrates that restaurant design and decor are essential to driving good customer service.

Before Monsoon opened, the owners met with their architect, then became their brother-in-law, to discuss the interior design. They opted for minimalism due to the budget they had at the time. Even with this limitation, the business created an aesthetically pleasing dining space.

Two months after Monsoon launched in 1999, it quickly became one of the hottest restaurants that offered residents flavorful food that was much different from anything in Seattle at the time. Restaurant goers could order sumptuous items such as Seared Chilean Bass, Crispy Dungeness Crab Rolls, Grilled La Lot Beef, Tamarind Soup, Wok Fried Red Chili Scallops with Dried Yamm, and Filet Mignon Luc Lac with Tomato and Butter Lettuce, among other dishes.

Today, while the menu has changed, the space appears similar to when it first opened. One must consider how much the restaurant's design contributed to its success. Other publications have mentioned that restaurant design does contribute to customer satisfaction. A July 2023 Medium article reported that design can contribute to the overall dining experience by setting the mood, which influences the customer experience and satisfaction.

The design also contributes to the restaurant ambiance. Eric Banh has a keen eye for the right acoustic, lighting, color, and decorative elements. The design creates an intimate and lively environment for conversations, first dates, family outings, or business gatherings. Artwork, decorative items, and unique features can capture diners’ attention.

Other design components such as acoustic ceiling panels, the strategic placement of other sound-absorbing materials, and drapes play a role in reducing noise that emanates from the building. Controlling the noise from diners and staff creates a more comfortable environment for everyone in the establishment, where everyone can engage in conversation without drowning each other out.

Design is also part of a restaurant’s brand identity. Even after leaving the restaurant, customers remember elements that align with the restaurant’s theme, concept, and food.

Practically, design can influence diner behavior. Seat placement, lighting, and visual cues focus diners’ attention on specific food items. For example, some restaurants might use menus with pictures to attract diners to certain dishes. Moreover, restaurant design can encourage patrons to try new dishes, creating a more satisfying experience.

The design also establishes efficiency and functionality. The dining space layout, kitchen, and service areas must be designed so staff members and diners can move through the spaces quickly and easily. This ease of movement facilitates efficient, attentive customer service.

Finally, restaurant design offers owners the chance to make an emotional connection with diners. Designs can evoke nostalgia, excitement, tranquility, romance, or sophistication, translating to memorable experiences diners want to revisit.