Custom Design Development

We optimize the layout and design of your restaurant for functionality and customer experience.

For millions of Americans, dining is more than eating out… it’s entertainment, an experience and, if done well, a moment capable of leaving a lasting impression sure to drive multiple return visits.

Our restaurant design consultants understand that a competent restaurant must be firing on all cylinders, from the food to the staff, right down to the layout of the restaurant itself.

Memorable restaurant branding design requires an in-depth understanding of:
– how restaurants operate
– how employees will interact with the layout and design
– how to draw the guest into the experience.

Commercial kitchen design consultants must understand seamless, functional and fluid production for customers and staff alike.

At Gilkey Restaurant Consulting, we believe the most successful restaurant designs effectively showcase the food preparation AND the servers, creating a unique environment that is warm, entertaining and comfortable. We are not big believers in following design trends or fads, but instead using design treatments and materials that are durable and lasting for years to come.

Branding Consulting

With over 30 years of restaurant branding design experience and our strategic alliance with interior design and architect partners, The Gilkey Restaurant Consulting Group has a proven track-record of creating customized restaurants and food service designs that invoke lasting impressions while optimizing functionality of staff.

Our design approach blends aesthetics with performance and appeal with process. By taking into account the importance of traffic flow, spatial planning, construction elements and equipment, our restaurant design & startup consultants deliver creative food service solutions with both guests and staff in mind.

Our experience as Executive Chefs physically serving several hundred meals on a Saturday night allows us the detailed understanding of the food production process and competent restaurant branding design. Meanwhile, our experience of working on dozens of restaurants, from local eateries to world recognized brands, helps us understand what the customer wants to see from the moment they enter to when they pay their check.

By combining these unique and equally important players, we can develop a kitchen restaurant design that will satisfy both groups, leading to a better experience for all.

Interested? Contact our restaurant service consultants today to learn how we can help your restaurant do more!

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Custom Design Development

What is restaurant custom design development?

At Gilkey Restaurant Consulting, we view custom design development as the process of first developing your unique brand identity, or brand personality, then designing your restaurant around the unique elements of your concept, menu, service style, and guest experience. The goal is to create a space that is entertaining, energetic, inspiring,  warm, comfortable, and memorable while still performing under pressure. That means balancing atmosphere with flow and function, guest appeal with workflow, and creativity with durability.

What should be included in a restaurant custom design development plan?

A strong custom design development plan thinks about the personality then supports the unique personality through the finishes, fixtures and  décor. It also takes into account e look at traffic flow, seating mix, bar placement, expo visibility, kitchen workflow, storage, acoustics, lighting, construction realities, and the durability of finishes and materials. Just as important, the plan should reflect how your food is produced and how your team actually works during service. That is why many restaurant projects benefit from Menu Development and restaurant technology consulting. A beautiful room only matters if it also supports speed, consistency, and execution.

How does restaurant layout design affect guest experience and staff efficiency?

Restaurant layout design directly shapes how guests feel and how your staff performs. When tables are crowded, sightlines are awkward, or service paths cross constantly, the experience becomes stressful for everyone in the room. A thoughtful layout supports comfort, smoother pacing, better communication, and cleaner handoffs between front and back of house. It can also help guests linger longer and come back more often because the environment feels easy and intentional.

How does custom design development support restaurant branding?

Your brand is not just a logo or color palette. It is the feeling guests get the moment they walk through the door. Custom design development helps translate your concept into a physical environment through materials, lighting, seating, service flow, and the way food and staff are presented. When those details align, the restaurant feels cohesive and distinctive instead of generic.

When should I start custom design development for a restaurant startup, second generation space, or remodel?

The earlier, the better. We recommend starting custom design development before major layout, equipment, and build-out decisions are finalized. That applies whether you are launching a new restaurant, taking over a second generation space, or remodeling an existing concept that no longer fits the market. Early planning helps prevent costly revisions, keeps the design aligned with the business model, and gives your team a clearer path to opening day.