If you step into a restaurant nowadays, you will immediately notice certain changes that are unlike the usual dining atmosphere that we’re accustomed to. From the use of QR code menus to the installation of plexiglass barriers, food establishments have to adapt to these so-called “new normal” practices to ensure the safety of the customers from the COVID-19 virus. Even the interior design of these places is revamped to cater to dine-in patrons despite the limited operational capacity.

The duration of the pandemic may still be uncertain, but its impact will forever be embedded in our way of living, especially on how food businesses are changing their interior layouts to keep everybody safe from the ongoing health crisis.

So stick around as we’ll tackle the post-pandemic images of restaurant design in today’s article.

The Utilization Of Outdoor Space For Al Fresco Dining

The demand for outdoor dining in most cities in the northern hemisphere is at its peak during summertime. But since the pandemic broke out, the use of outdoor space for al fresco dining is not only done out of seasonal demand as most restaurants utilize this area since there is less possibility of getting infected when customers are dining with fresh air around them.

The al fresco dining trend will be the primary dining option for customers in the state of New York, at least in the next 2 to 3 years. And that’s because the food businesses will not be permitted to operate if they only offer indoor dining to guests. As a result, over 6,000 New York restaurants have expanded their outdoor areas or repurposed previously used outside space for outdoor dining. And many establishments are expected to follow soon.

Clever Ways Of Maintaining Social Distancing

Masked waiters, plastic barriers, tables placed 6 feet apart – these are just some of the common things that we find inside restaurants because of the pandemic. Yet, the practice of physical distancing is much likely to be permanent that it requires food businesses to adapt with just more than a temporary fix.

To be specific, some restaurants and cafes employ the use of stuffed toys and mannequins strategically placed in seats to ensure customers won’t sit too close to each other. Of course, the use of these props is based on the theme and interior design of the establishment.

On the other hand, a restaurant in Amsterdam has installed several mini-greenhouses beside a scenic canal to allow couples and groups of guests up to 4 individuals to dine and enjoy time together while being socially distanced from other customers. This concept is clever since it protects diners while offering a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere as they dine outdoors.

Going Contactless To Reduce The Risk Of COVID-19 Infection

And finally, food establishments in the United States and some countries are likely to keep the interior design simple by eliminating tabletop decors (lamps, candles, flowers, tablecloths) while menus are regularly disinfected between seatings. Also, the practice of cleaning surfaces after every use will be observed for the next few years even after the threat of the COVI-19 virus is no longer a major concern.