Key Budget Categories
A food service establishment's cost is typically split into four main blocks: construction and finishes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, custom millwork, and kitchen equipment. The unpredictable portion almost always lies in the MEP systems, not the millwork: ventilation shafts, exhaust systems, gas lines, electrical load requirements, and health code compliance updates are the items that significantly impact the final bill.
Indicative Ranges
Orders of magnitude for an existing venue in good condition, excluding professional kitchen equipment:
A neighborhood bar and a gourmet restaurant are not in the same price bracket: factors shifting the price include bar counter materials, complexity of the exhaust system, required acoustic level, and customization of the furnishings.
| Item | Indicative Range |
|---|---|
| Custom Bar Counter with Back Bar | 25,000–70,000 € |
| Dining Area Furnishings (seating, tables, millwork, decorative lighting) | 400–900 €/seat |
| MEP Systems (electrical, plumbing, exhaust, HVAC) | 400–800 €/sqm |
| Construction and Finishes | 300–700 €/sqm |
| Signage, Window Graphics, Branding | 3,000–15,000 € |
| Complete Turnkey Venue | 1,200–2,500 €/sqm |
Where to Invest and Where to Save
The bar counter and the first three rows of tables are what customers photograph and remember: here, material quality matters. In the back-of-house, service areas, and technical mezzanines, you can opt for lower-grade finishes without anyone noticing. The one item you should never compromise on is the exhaust system: a venue with odors in the dining area cannot be salvaged by any furnishing.
- Invest in: Bar counter, accent lighting, dining area acoustics, exhaust system.
- Save on: Finishes in technical areas, service furniture, hidden back-of-house elements.
Realistic Timelines
From contract signing to opening: 3-6 months for an average venue, divided between permitting, millwork production in the workshop, and on-site construction. Those opening in season must work backward from the opening date, not forward from the lease signing.
Unforeseen Costs
Gas connection and meter power upgrade, ADA restroom compliance, soundproofing for neighbors, ventilation shaft with condominium approval, permits for exterior signs and displays: individually small items, which together can easily amount to 10-15% of the total budget.
Frequently asked questions
- Are custom furnishings or catalog items better?
- The bar counter and structural elements are best custom-made: they maximize every inch and last for years. Seating and tables can come from a catalog, offering 30-40% savings without losing perceived quality.
- Can the investment be recouped? How quickly?
- It depends on the business model, but well-designed venues typically see a return on investment within 2-4 years. A poorly executed fit-out, however, costs twice: first when you build it, and second when you have to redo it.
- Do you only produce furnishings based on a design studio's plans?
- Yes, we often collaborate as a production partner for architectural firms, fabricating custom millwork and finishes according to their designs, with preliminary samples provided.
Translated from the Italian original. Contact us for the official version.