Strategic restaurant design has become a business necessity as takeout and delivery continue to outpace dine-in traffic. Thoughtful layouts make it possible to meet off-premise demand while protecting the in-person experience that keeps guests loyal. From efficient pick-up zones to technology integration, strategic design helps you adapt, compete and succeed.
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Americans are still dining out, but how they’re doing it is changing the landscape of the restaurant industry. We’ve entered the takeout era, where nearly 75% of all restaurant orders are made to go, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 Off-Premises Restaurant Trends report. Compared with sales just five years ago, off-premises orders now make up a greater share of the sales for 58% of limited-service and 41% of full-service restaurants.
As the demand for off-premises dining convenience—encompassing drive-thru, walk-in takeout, curbside pickup and delivery—has grown, restaurant operators are striving to make these restaurant design options more accessible to their customers, according to the same report. Approximately 65% of limited-service restaurants now offer food delivery, and many anticipate adding options like dedicated takeout and curbside areas in the near future. Full-service restaurants currently lag behind in offering these services, but 43% anticipate growth in curbside pickup, and 31% expect to add more dedicated takeout counters to their locations.
To remain competitive, restaurants will need to adapt their spaces to meet the demands of off-premises dining while also staying true to their brand identities. Achieving both can be challenging, but it’s easier with an experienced partner like Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company, to assist with design changes that can help you achieve your business goals. Here are a few strategic areas to consider as part of your restaurant design upgrades.
The trend toward off-premises dining isn’t an “all-or-nothing” shift from eat-in to takeout. Instead, restaurant design must evolve with greater flexibility to support a mix of dining preferences. This means layouts that can easily transition between uses, with adaptable zones that accommodate both intimate meals and larger gatherings. Modular, convertible furniture adds another layer of versatility, allowing spaces to be reconfigured for parties of any size while maximizing square footage.
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Convenience is the driving force behind the rise of off-premises dining, making technology upgrades a critical component of future-focused restaurant design. At a minimum, guests expect reliable Wi-Fi and accessible charging stations. To truly elevate your spaces, consider advanced solutions such as smart kiosks, mobile order pick-up stations, contactless lockers and smart kitchen devices that minimize food waste and enhance food safety. Leading brands like Yum! Brands are already seeing results—digital sales accounted for 55% of its overall sales in the first quarter of 2024.
According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2021 State of the Industry report, 72% of adults said that ambiance was a deciding factor in choosing a restaurant of adults said that ambiance was a deciding factor in choosing a restaurant. Even with the shift to increased off-premises dining, details like upgraded lighting, acoustics and decor can’t be ignored. These elements remain critical to supporting dine-in hospitality and the overall image of your business.
Panera’s latest locations, which are sized down to be 20% smaller than their previous spaces, offer one recent example of restaurant design optimization: their double drive-thrus, which feature digitized menus and a second lane designated for rapid pick-up orders.
The pandemic drove increased demand for open-air dining, which led many restaurants to create temporary outdoor spaces—many of which have since become permanent to support customer demand. If you’re seeking to invest in creating enhanced outdoor experiences for your customers to enjoy year-round, consider upgrades like convertible roofs, heat lamps, fire pits and wind barriers, as well as plants or gardens to create a more natural dining environment.
By incorporating strategic restaurant design elements like these, which prioritize convenience without diminishing the dining experience, you’ll be better able to adapt to continuously evolving industry shifts and diner-driven demand.
Need a property services partner to help with your restaurant redesign goals? Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company, is highly experienced in property services and renovations for restaurants and other commercial businesses. Contact CSMsales@ChainStore.com to learn how we can help you redesign your restaurant spaces for the takeout era and beyond.