Building for the Future: Key Insights for Restaurants in 2025

As the owner of a general contracting and construction management firm, as well as a lifelong foodie, I have a special appreciation for restaurant design. Any chef will tell you that great food isn’t just about being delicious—it has to look good, too—because we also eat with our eyes. The same can be said about the entire dining experience. With pre-cooked meals and delivery options growing, it’s more important than ever for restaurant spaces to entice diners with visually appealing experiences. Here are some of the ways restaurants can ensure they are connecting with their customers—and how EB3 Construction can help make them a reality for you. 

Instagrammable Features 

These days, your restaurant’s design has to do more than just look good—it needs to be Instagram-worthy. Creating visually appealing spaces encourages guests to share their experiences on social media, serving as organic marketing for your restaurant. Whether it’s a statement wall, an open kitchen, or creative seating, we’ll help you build or renovate a space that gets people talking (and posting). 

Outdoor Dining

The demand for outdoor dining options has increased, with many diners seeking al fresco experiences. The National Restaurant Association's 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry report notes the growing importance of outdoor dining spaces. Partnering with a builder like EB3 Construction who can help you make the most of your restaurant’s footprint is crucial to enticing customers who look for outdoor dining.  

Bringing the Outdoors In

Whether you have the space to provide an outdoor dining option or not, one of the biggest trends in restaurant design is incorporating natural elements into the interior. Think warm wood finishes, lush greenery on the walls, and plenty of natural light. EB3 Construction can help you build or renovate your space to make it feel inviting and like a breath of fresh air. 

Tech at the Table 

While customers have their phones out, taking photos of the green wall EB3 has installed for you, consider giving them access to QR code menus, mobile ordering and contactless payments. Even restaurants that still want to retain traditional paper menus and ordering systems can capture the benefits of technology. The GiftAMeal app, for example, provides QR codes diners can scan at the table to easily share photos of their food on social media, boosting the restaurant’s organic marketing, while donating a meal to a person in need through a local food bank. 

Self-Service Options 

According to the National Restaurant Association, technology-driven solutions like kiosks and pick-up areas are increasingly preferred by customers, with many valuing speed and convenience as top priorities. Self-service kiosks can also integrate loyalty programs, suggest upsells and make recommendations based on past orders. Efficient to-go operations like a dedicated pick-up zone make it easy for customers and delivery drivers to grab orders. Self-serve drink stations are appealing to customers for their convenience and save staff time, as well. EB3 Construction has extensive experience in building these efficiencies into new and existing restaurants. 

The Main Takeaway

EB3 works with restaurants of all shapes and sizes to build and renovate spaces that make use of insights into current customer trends, so the entire dining experience is convenient, appealing and something people want to talk about to their friends. We take pride in making the construction process simple and stress-free. Let’s chat about how we can turn your vision into a reality.