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Opening a New Restaurant? Don’t Overlook These Two Crucial Design Elements

Building out a new restaurant is a high-stakes adventure. From tile samples to fryer specs, operators are often so focused on kitchen layouts, menu planning, and furniture finishes that two essential elements get overlooked—until it’s too late.

After working with dozens of restaurant clients post-build, we’ve heard two of the same strange regrets repeated over and over again:

1. “I wish we had planned a proper network closet.”

2. “We should’ve made the bathrooms bigger and better.”

If you’re planning a new restaurant or even a renovation, take it from those who’ve been there: don’t ignore these areas. Let’s break down why they matter and how DinerDashboard.com can help make sure you don’t get caught off guard.

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The Network Closet: The Brain of the Restaurant

In the rush to open, tech infrastructure often ends up as an afterthought. POS systems, security cameras, digital menu boards, kitchen display systems, Wi-Fi, phone lines, sound systems—it all needs somewhere to live. And not just anywhere.

Too many restaurants end up stuffing vital gear into a dusty back shelf, on top of a fridge, or crammed under the bar. The result? Messy wiring, overheating equipment, inconsistent service, and a technician’s nightmare when something goes wrong.

What Should a Proper Network Closet Include?

• Dedicated cooling or ventilation

• Power backup (UPS) for critical systems

• Structured cabling (Cat6 or higher) with labeled ports

• Cable chases for future wire runs including outdoors

• Patch panels and racks for neat cable management

• Access control for security and maintenance

Without a central tech hub, adding or upgrading equipment later becomes expensive and disruptive. A smart network closet is scalable, secure, and saves money long-term.

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Bathrooms: Don’t Treat Them as an Afterthought

Another common regret? Small, underwhelming restrooms.

You may not think of bathrooms as a business-driver—but your guests do. In fact, studies show that customers strongly associate bathroom cleanliness and design with overall restaurant quality. For high-volume restaurants, tiny bathrooms become a bottleneck during rush hours and a turn-off for customers.

Common Complaints from Owners and Guests:

• Not enough stalls

• Long wait times during peak hours

• Lack of accessibility or ADA compliance

• Poor ventilation or cleaning layout

• Dated or uncomfortable design

Designing bathrooms that are not just compliant, but welcoming, can make a big difference in guest satisfaction—especially for family-friendly restaurants or venues targeting events and large groups.

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How DinerDashboard.com Can Help

At DinerDashboard.com, we consult with restaurants during the earliest stages of planning to ensure technology and design flow together seamlessly. Our team understands how operations, technology, and guest experience intersect.

Our Services Include:

• Tech infrastructure planning and layout consultation

• POS, kitchen display, and digital signage integration

• Wi-Fi and networking systems designed for coverage and scalability

• CCTV and access control systems

• Coordination with architects and general contractors to avoid tech rework

• Front-of-house flow consulting (including restrooms and entryways)

When you plan early, you save later—on headaches, maintenance, and upgrades.

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Final Thought: Future-Proof Your Build-Out

Technology is only becoming more embedded in restaurant operations—from mobile ordering to drive-thru optimization to customer loyalty tracking. Without a dedicated space to centralize and manage those systems, you risk running a modern restaurant with outdated infrastructure.

And remember, people will judge your bathrooms. Make them functional, spacious, and aligned with your brand.

Before you break ground, talk to someone who’s helped restaurants avoid the pitfalls. Visit DinerDashboard.com and schedule a consultation. We’ll make sure your build-out supports your tech, your team, and your long-term success!