Truth be told, achieving success in this line of business goes beyond just opening your doors to offer delicious treats to customers.
To ensure you attain profound success, it is important you take great care when coming up with the design and layout of the shop—both inside and out.
Aside from the fact that they play a very essential role in drawing in the right customers, it will ensure you have the necessary foundation to provide those customers with a pleasant experience as well as enhance the overall functionality of the space.
As such, whether you’re considering starting your business from scratch or making renovations to an existing space, here is the best interior and exterior design, layout, and floor plan for your ice cream shop.
Ice Cream Shop Shop Interior and Exterior Design, Layout and Floor Plan
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Exterior Design
Note that the exterior of your ice cream shop will represent the first impression customers have about your shop as well as the services you offer. As such, it must reflect the fun, welcoming, and indulgent nature of your business and the products you will be selling.
a. Color Palette
Go with very bright, cheerful colors since they are already associated with ice cream shops. Consider pastels such as soft pinks, blues, yellows, or mint greens to incite a sense of nostalgia and happiness in your customers, bringing back the glamour of carefree summer days.
Aside from that, you can go with sleek, neutral tones accompanied by pops of color if you want a modern ice cream shop that has a chic, contemporary look.
b. Signage and Branding
It is also important you ensure that your shop’s signage is very clear, visually pleasing, as well as easy to read. You can choose to go with a playful font or something more minimalistic; however, it is very necessary to be certain that the branding falls in line with the overall theme of your shop. Consider neon signs or backlit options to guarantee night-time visibility.
c. Outdoor Seating
This is another very good design option to consider as it is known to add value to the overall customer experience, particularly during warm weather.
You must put in place a few tables, chairs, benches, decorative awnings, umbrellas, or pergolas to make available shade, as well as planters, flowers, or quirky décor to make it more enticing.
d. Window Displays
Do not underestimate the importance of large windows as they will entice passersby to take a peek inside. You can also leverage them to sample seasonal or whimsical offerings that feature fun visuals (ice cream cones, scoops, or desserts)
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Interior Design
The interior of your shop is another very important aspect of your business and one you have to take great care with designing.
In this section of your ice cream shop, the primary objective should be to put together a space where customers feel comfortable, engaged, and want to linger more.
Aside from that, the design also needs to buttress your brand as well as guarantee a seamless flow of foot traffic in addition to prompt product delivery.
a. Theme and Ambiance
This is one of the primary things you need to consider when designing your shop’s interior. Make sure that the aligns with your shop’s brand as well as the sort of experience you intend to provide.
It is recommended you go with a playful and vibrant theme that features colorful seating and quirky décor if the intention is to attract families and children. To further elevate it, include a more sophisticated setting, sleek counters, pendant lighting, as well as modern décor.
b. Seating Options
It is also very pertinent you put in place a wide array of seating options to ensure that you can cater to varying customer needs.
Make sure to mount booths or bar stools close to the counter to invite quick stops, in addition to calm and cozy corners that feature comfortable seating to guarantee longer stays.
c. Display and Menu Boards
You would also need a properly arranged menu board, whether digital or chalkboard-style. It is very important to guarantee an effortless customer experience.
Be sure to keep it above or close the counter to limit customer confusion. It is also necessary to keep your display cases at a convenient eye level and close to the entrance.
d. Lighting
Be sure to take lighting very seriously when looking to set the right ambiance for your shop’s interior. Go with bright, natural lighting to ensure you put up a family-friendly shop, or you can go with warmer, dimmer lighting to put in place a more relaxed atmosphere. Don’t forget to use display lighting that elevates the ice cream in the display case.
e. Flooring
Two of the most important factors to consider when choosing your flooring are durability and ease of cleaning. Keep in mind that tile or laminate floors have proven to be very wonderful choices since they are both durable and easy to clean. Howbeit, you can choose to infuse playful patterns or colors into the flooring.
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Layout and Flow
Do not undermine the importance of the right layout especially when it comes to guaranteeing a smooth customer experience as well as boosting employee efficiency. Keep in mind that the flow of the shop is very important to coordinate customer traffic, maintain hygiene, and streamline service.
a. Entrance and Traffic Flow
Start by ensuring that the entrance is where customers can immediately see the ice cream counter. Also ensure that the path from the entrance to the counter remains free and unobstructed, with adequate space for customers to line up.
b. Counter Placement
It is pertinent that the service counter is central and conveniently accessible from all areas of the shop. While it will most often depend on your space, note that a straight-line counter will work efficiently for smaller shops, while bigger spaces will look well with an L-shaped or U-shaped counter to give it a more dynamic flow. Howbeit, behind the counter, be certain there’s enough space for equipment.
c. Self-Service vs. Full-Service
You will find that a good number of ice cream shops feature self-service stations that give customers the platform to build their ice cream sundaes or soft-serve cups.
If you intend to go with this model, then it is important you guarantee there’s a clear flow from choosing the appropriate toppings to paying at the register.
If you are building full-service shops, then make sure your layout possesses adequate room for customers to browse, choose, and pay easily.
d. Storage and Back-of-House Layout
This is one of the most important places in your shop and you will want to make it organized to guarantee efficiency. Don’t forget that the storage areas will be home to frozen and dry goods, cleaning supplies, and backstock inventory. You would want it to be very easy for employees to access without impeding the front-end flow.
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Floor Plan
You need to strategically divide the space between the front-of-house (customer-facing areas) and back-of-house (employee and storage areas). Some of the tips or guidelines you need to consider include:
- Front-of-House Layout: Ensure that your entry area is clear as well as inviting with adequate space for a line if necessary. Be certain that at least 40% of your floor plan features assorted seating for customers, with both indoor and outdoor options if considered possible. Also, make sure to mount your display cases close to the entrance and along the customer flow path. Don’t forget to place the register close to the exit for easy customer access.
- Back-of-House Layout: Be sure to take great care with your preparation area situated behind the service counter since it is meant to house all essential tools, like scooping equipment, sinks, and cleaning supplies. This layout will also need to feature a storage area for your freezers, refrigerators, and dry goods. Make sure it is easily accessible to guarantee quick restocking and inventory checks. Don’t forget to include an employee break area to ensure that employees can rest during breaks.
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Design Tips for Small Spaces
If you have a small space and looking for how to effectively make use of it, then it is recommended you consider the following:
- Compact seating: This includes making use of bar stools, counters, or wall-mounted seating to ensure you conserve space.
- Open shelving: This is another important one especially behind the counter to ensure you can store supplies or décor without taking up too much space.
- Mirrors: You should also consider installing mirrors to create an illusion of a bigger, more open space.