Making Dough with Diane: Six ways to give your pizzeria a makeover on a tight budget

Have you ever wished you could give your pizzeria a quick and inexpensive facelift? If you are a pizzeria owner, you know how fierce the competition is out there to get customers’ attention. A quick new look can make a huge difference to your pizzeria’s overall appearance and perception by customers. 

Studies show that one very effective way to improve your sales and boost customer visits is to invest in a new look. Studies show that you can expect to increase sales by two to six per cent following minor remodelling.

Think about the first impression you want to create for your customers the moment they walk through your door. Next, think about the appearance of your building, furniture, counters and staff: all of these factors will affect the image of your pizzeria. Updating your look doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Just making a few small changes will change how customers perceive your pizzeria.

Here are six quick and easy ways to give your pizzeria a makeover on a tight budget. 

1. Make a great first impression
No matter what, you must create a great entryway. First impressions matter. The best restaurants in major cities also set the stage for an incredible dining experience the moment you walk through the door. Your ideal design should first integrate the exterior appearance. The exterior of your pizzeria is the first thing potential customers see. Improving your front entry and creating a better first impression can be done on a small budget. Be sure that your entire exterior is clean and well identified with some branded signage. If budget permits, add some landscaping.

You would be surprised at how often windows are completely overlooked. Make sure the inside and outside of your pizzeria’s windows are washed regularly. It will not only be easier to see out of your windows, but it will also allow your passersby to look in and see your pizzeria space and products.

Give your exterior facade a fresh coat of paint. It’s amazing how a quick coat of paint can make a pizzeria look fresh and inviting. Next, see if you need to add a new visible front entry door. Finally, add additional lighting and signage, but above all, add something unique about the entryway to catch the eye of your customers.

2. Modernize your design by implementing a new colour scheme
Paint can go a long way and is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to change the look and feel of your restaurant. Old and chipped paint will make your pizzeria restaurant look run down and tired. Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to change the look of your pizzeria. Simple changes like adding a fresh coat of paint, eye-catching wall art and crisp white shelves will go a long way. Scrape off old paint and replace it with a coat of fresh paint that complements your concept and matches your existing décor and brand. Consider creating an accent wall where you will paint one wall with a bright colour to draw attention, and it will surely give your pizzeria a more modern look.   

3. Improve poor lighting
Changing or updating the lighting and amount of light in your pizzeria will greatly impact your restaurant ambience right away. First, check to see if your lights are too dim or perhaps you don’t have enough lights in the right places. A darker atmosphere may be less inviting unless that’s what you are trying to create. Just remember that the type, size, and style of your lighting should tie into your pizzeria’s overall theme. More light will give your restaurant a bright and welcoming atmosphere and ensure that your customers can easily read your menu. You can also adjust the natural light coming into your restaurant with curtains and blinds. 

4. Pay attention to details and rearrange your space
It could be using the furniture you already have and rearranging your tables, chairs, and wall units in a totally new way to make a new space. Switching up seating would be a principal part of low-budget pizzeria design. Is your restaurant too cluttered? Are you making the best use of your space, and is there dead space that you could put to better use? Pay attention to the small details when decorating your pizzeria restaurant on a budget. 

5. Fix, paint or replace outdated counters, wall units and furniture
Old, dingy and chipped counters and furniture will make your restaurant look run down and tired. Carefully check for any cracked, scratched, chipped, outdated or clunky pieces of furniture, wall units and counters. You can now go to antique shops, flea markets, second-hand stores or simply online to search for eclectic pieces of furniture and display items. It’s easy to find suitable furniture pieces that are modern, attractive and budget-friendly. Inexpensive, minimalist shelving is an easy way to add function and style to a modern interior. Have fun playing around with different configurations and shapes. You could start a little to-go area using this new shelving.

6. Hang colourful wall art pieces
Why not turn your pizzeria restaurant into a part-time gallery? You could have an eye-catching wall by showcasing the artwork of local or lesser-known artists. It will not only enhance your eating experience but will also support your community. What about making an eye-catching statement wall? Try to focus your energy and talent on a single small space. You could use some colourful wallpaper or ask one of your local artists to paint a fun, colourful mural. 

Updating your look doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Just making a few small changes will change how customers perceive your pizzeria! | CP

Diane Chiasson, FCSI, president of Chiasson Consultants Inc., has been helping foodservice, hospitality and retail operators increase sales for over 35 years by providing innovative and revenue-increasing food service and retail merchandising programs, interior design, branding, menu engineering, marketing and promotional campaigns. Contact her at 416-926-1338, or chiasson@chiassonconsultlants.com, or visit www.chiassonconsultants.com