If you have customer stepping foot onto your commercial property, your potential liability risks are already high. They can get even higher if you having customers eating, sitting, or potentially drinking at your place of business. Keep these ideas in mind when you’re planning your next restaurant redesigns to keep your patrons and your business safer:
1. Find slip-proof tiles and flooring.
Slips and falls are a common risk. But you can better protect your employees and patrons with better flooring. Make sure your tiles have a textured finish and opt for carpeting where you can.
2. Add lots of lighting in the kitchen.
While the front of your restaurant may have mood lighting, the mood in the kitchen should be all about visibility. Not only does this keep your restaurant safer from employee accidents and injuries, but it also prevents mistakes. Serving undercooked food with not-quite-clean cutlery is a fast way to a lawsuit or a completely closed restaurant.
3. Make your entrance ways and hallways wide.
Wide pathways are always good business, even if you have a small space. They give people more freedom of movement in the event of an emergency, and they reduce accidental injuries from crowding. Wide paths also make your restaurant more inviting to patrons with disabilities.
4. Go for curved edges instead of sharp corners.
If there are going to be children in your restaurant, get rid of everything pointy. Eye-level counters and tables are going to be run into even if you can’t imagine how. Get rid of the potential liability just in case you have patrons who aren’t keeping a vigilant eye out.
5. Make sure a licensed inspector is involved.
If your restaurant isn’t up to code, liability claims will be just around the corner. Look for a remodeling service that employs or regularly works with a licensed inspector. They should sign off on every major phase of the project, not just the end result.
If you’re planning a remodeling project, contact us at Cornerstone FCE Services. We can help create a restaurant that’s beautiful, efficient, and a good investment against future risk.