Major Budget Categories
A food venue's cost is divided into four main blocks: building works and finishes, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, bespoke furnishings, and kitchen equipment. The unpredictable element almost always lies in the MEP systems, not the furnishings: flues, extraction, gas, electrical loads, and hygiene-sanitary upgrades are the items that alter the final bill.
Indicative Ranges
Orders of magnitude for an existing venue in good condition, excluding professional kitchen equipment:
A neighbourhood bar and a gourmet restaurant are not in the same bracket: the price is influenced by bar counter materials, extraction system complexity, required acoustic level, and customisation of furnishings.
| Item | Indicative Range |
|---|---|
| Bespoke bar counter with back bar | 25.000–70.000 € |
| Dining area furnishings (seating, tables, panelling, decorative lighting) | 400–900 €/cover |
| MEP Systems (electrical, plumbing, extraction, air treatment) | 400–800 €/sqm |
| Building works and finishes | 300–700 €/sqm |
| Signage, window graphics, communication | 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, materials matter. In the back, in service areas, and technical mezzanines, you can opt for lower-spec without anyone noticing. The item you should never skimp on is extraction: a venue with odours in the dining area cannot be remedied by any furnishings.
- Invest: bar counter, feature lighting, dining area acoustics, extraction.
- Save: finishes in technical areas, service furnishings, hidden back-bars.
Realistic timelines
From contract to opening: 3-6 months for an average venue, divided between paperwork, joinery production in the workshop, and on-site works. Those opening for a specific season must work backwards from the opening date, not forwards from the venue's signing.
Costs no one budgets for
Gas connection and meter power increase, disabled toilet upgrade, soundproofing for neighbours, flue installation with condominium approval, external signage and display permits: individually small costs, but together they can easily account for 10-15% of the budget.
Frequently asked questions
- Bespoke or off-the-shelf furnishings?
- The bar counter and structural elements are best bespoke: they maximise every inch and last for years. Seating and tables can be off-the-shelf, saving 30-40% without losing perceived quality.
- Can the investment be recovered? How long does it take?
- It depends on the business model, but well-fitted-out venues typically see a return on investment within 2-4 years. A poorly executed fit-out, however, costs twice: first when you do it, and second when you redo it.
- Do you only produce furnishings based on an architect's design?
- Yes: we frequently partner with architectural studios as a production partner, manufacturing bespoke furnishings and finishes according to their designs with prior sampling.
Translated from the Italian original. Contact us for the official version.