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العربيةHow We Transformed a Restaurant in Jeddah into a Profitable Hospitality Experience That Increased Sales by 45% — A Practical Guide for Restaurant Owners in 2026
In the restaurant market of Jeddah and Saudi Arabia, competition has become extremely intense, and the hospitality experience has turned into a decisive factor in the success or failure of any restaurant. Interior design is no longer just “beautiful décor”; it has become a technical, commercial, and psychological tool that directly impacts:
- Table turnover rate
- Staff circulation and workflow
- Customer psychological comfort
- Purchase decisions
- Average check value
- Google ratings
- Customer return rate
As a leading engineering firm in restaurant design and execution in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the Gulf (SMD Group), we share here a case study that shows how professional design made a real difference in a 240 m² restaurant in Jeddah and doubled its commercial results in just 90 days.
🔍 Section One: The Real Challenges the Restaurant Was Facing (Problem Diagnosis)
Before the redesign, the restaurant suffered from a set of common issues often seen in restaurant projects in Jeddah:
1. Inefficient Space Planning
- Noticeable congestion in circulation paths
- Intersecting routes between guests and staff
- Difficulty for waiters to move comfortably
- Loss of 15–20% of operational capacity every day
2. Weak and Unclear Visual Identity
Guests did not remember the place or distinguish it from other restaurants, which reduced the likelihood of repeat visits.
3. Uncomfortable Lighting That Does Not Support Dining or Photography
Harsh white lighting with disturbing reflections on the tables negatively affected customer comfort and how dishes appeared in photos.
4. An Exterior Façade That Does Not Attract Walk-In Customers
This is a critical factor in Jeddah, where there is heavy competition and many restaurants and cafés on the same main streets and prime locations.
5. A Tight Kitchen and a Lack of Engineered Workflow
This led to increased preparation time, a higher error rate, and reduced quality, especially during peak hours.
6. Acoustic Problems
Annoying noise, sound reflection, and echo created an uncomfortable environment for guests and reduced their willingness to stay longer.
🎯 Section Two: Strategic Design Vision & Concept Story
In this project, we adopted a vision based on “modern hospitality + psychological comfort + high operational efficiency”, so that the interior design serves the restaurant’s commercial objectives, not just the look and feel.
Core Pillars of the Vision:
✔ 1. Creating a Story for the Space
A design with a clear identity and a warm modern style enhanced with natural elements (wood – stone – warm lighting), so that the guest feels the place is different and has its own personality.
✔ 2. Improving Operational Flow
We analyzed the waiter’s movement from the moment the order is received until it is delivered to the guest, and reduced the number of unnecessary steps:
Fewer steps = shorter service time = higher guest satisfaction and increased kitchen capacity during peak hours.
✔ 3. Developing an Attractive Façade
A façade with a clear character + smart exterior lighting that increases the “desire to enter”, especially for walk-in customers in the street or shopping complex.
✔ 4. Scientific Table Distribution
The goal: increase the number of tables without creating a feeling of crowding, while maintaining privacy and seating comfort for the guest and increasing revenue through higher capacity.
✔ 5. Designing Instagram Spots
Adding unique corners, feature walls, and photogenic spots that increase organic marketing by up to 17–30%.
🛠 Section Three: Our Engineering Solutions Step by Step (Technical Execution)
1. Space Re-Planning
- Increasing seating capacity by 17% without expanding the built-up area
- Separating family and singles areas without intrusive partitions
- Creating a clear Main Circulation Spine for both waiters and guests
2. Advanced “3-Layer Lighting System”
We implemented a three-layer lighting system:
- Ambient: Soft lighting that creates overall visual comfort in the space.
- Task: Focused lighting directed at tables and food service areas.
- Accent: Lighting to highlight walls, design elements, and brand features.
Results:
✔ Increased dwell time
✔ Better photo quality for guests
✔ A distinctive ambiance that elevates the overall hospitality experience
3. Façade Enhancement
- Exterior lighting with clear vertical lines
- A prominent logo visible from a distance
- Glass openings that give passersby a quick glimpse of the interior vibe
- An estimated 22% increase in walk-in customers
4. Acoustic Treatment
Using elements such as:
- Concealed acoustic panels
- Sound-absorbing ceilings
- Light partitions that reduce sound reflection
Result: A calm, comfortable experience that encourages guests to stay longer.
5. Kitchen Workflow Optimization
- Clear division of workstations (Prep – Cook – Serve – Wash)
- Separating delivery routes from internal hospitality routes as much as possible
- Reducing prep time and improving quality control during peak hours
6. Materials Strategy
Materials were selected based on both aesthetics and function:
- Moisture-resistant hardwood suitable for heavy use
- Commercial non-slip porcelain for guest and staff safety
- Energy-efficient LED lighting with longer life span
- Stain-proof fabrics resistant to spills and stains
- Heat- and scratch-resistant work surfaces in service and prep areas
![Luxury-Dining-Experience-Jeddah]( "Luxury-Dining-Experience-Jeddah")
📈 Section Four: Post-Opening Results (Business Impact)
After 90 days of reopening, the following results were achieved:
- 45% increase in sales driven by longer dwell time, improved circulation, and more walk-ins.
- 18% reduction in energy consumption thanks to modern lighting and better control over operating zones.
- 12% increase in average check per guest due to the overall ambiance, lighting, and seating experience.
- Google rating increased from 3.4 to 4.6 after the overall guest experience was improved.
- 12% faster service after re-engineering kitchen and dining workflow.
- 28% increase in visits from Instagram as a result of dedicated photo spots and visually attractive features.
![Fine-Dining-Table-Jeddah-2026]( "Fine-Dining-Table-Jeddah-2026")
💰 Section Five: How Much Does It Cost to Design and Build a Restaurant in Jeddah? (Professional 2026 Pricing)
The cost of restaurant design and execution in Jeddah and Saudi Arabia varies depending on finish level, visual identity, workflow efficiency, and materials. Based on SMD Group projects over the past three years:
The Realistic Cost Range for Restaurants in Saudi Arabia:
From 2,900 to 5,000 SAR per square meter
This range can include, depending on the agreement:
- Architectural interior design
- Civil works and finishing
- Flooring and ceiling works
- Lighting and electrical installations
- Mechanical works, ventilation, and air-conditioning
- Complete interior fit-out
- Interior and exterior façades
- Interior branding elements
- Fixed furniture
- Service and prep areas
- Acoustic treatments aligned with the project level
📊 Restaurant Pricing Table in Saudi Arabia (2026)
| Finish Level | Price (SAR/m²) | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Enhanced Economy) | 2,900 – 3,400 | Commercial porcelain, simple gypsum ceilings, economic LED lighting, high-quality paints, basic table layout, practical solutions with controlled budget. | Startup restaurants, casual dining, and projects with relatively limited budgets. |
| Premium (Mid–Luxury) | 3,500 – 4,200 | Full layered lighting, natural wood accents in selected areas, modern ceiling with architectural details, acoustic treatment, strong identity, a distinctive bar or coffee zone. | Casual–Fine Dining restaurants and projects seeking high quality with a balanced luxury–cost ratio. |
| Luxury (High-End – Signature Level) | 4,200 – 5,000 | Premium materials, iconic architectural design, visually strong façades, custom-made furniture, advanced acoustic treatment, and a high level of detail across every aspect of the guest experience. | Top-tier restaurants, brand-driven projects, and flagship venues targeting wide exposure and a powerful reputation. |
For spaces between 200–350 m² in Jeddah, actual costs usually fall within 3,200 – 4,500 SAR/m², depending on project nature, branding level, and construction requirements.
❓ Section Six: Questions Restaurant Owners Commonly Ask (People Also Ask)
How much does it cost to design a restaurant in Jeddah?
Between 2,900 and 5,000 SAR/m², depending on materials, finish level, and project type.
Does design affect sales?
Yes — a well-engineered interior design can influence 30–60% of sales performance by enhancing hospitality experience, increasing dwell time, and improving flow.
How many tables are suitable for a 200–250 m² restaurant?
Typically 18 to 26 tables, depending on service type (Fine Dining, Casual, or Fast Casual) and privacy requirements.
What is the best interior design style for restaurants?
The most successful styles in 2024–2026 are: Modern Earthy and Modern Industrial with warm touches.
How long does restaurant fit-out take?
Usually between 35 and 75 days, depending on project size, site readiness, and scope of work.
🥇 Section Seven: Why Do Clients Trust SMD Group?
- More than 15 years of experience in design and execution.
- Projects delivered in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Libya, and other countries.
- Deep understanding of restaurant operations and hospitality requirements.
- Designs that focus on increasing sales — not just aesthetics.
- World-class execution with full engineering supervision.
- Ability to integrate visual identity, design, and operations into one cohesive system.
![Dining-Table-Closeup-Luxury-Details]( "Dining-Table-Closeup-Luxury-Details")
🚀 Conclusion
Do you want to increase your restaurant’s sales and turn it into a fully engineered hospitality experience?
At SMD Group, we now offer:
🎁 A Free Consultation
Which includes:
- Analysis of your current restaurant design
- Assessment of operational and visual problems
- Three ready-to-apply design ideas
- Recommendations to improve flow and increase revenue
- An initial cost estimate tailored to your project category
⏳ Limited-time offer — valid for 48 hours only.
📞 Contact us via WhatsApp or send your floor plan directly through the contact form on our website.
We transform your restaurants into profitable and sustainable hospitality experiences.