There is more to crafting a good dining experience at a restaurant than just good food. Any great restaurant will leverage the five senses to elevate the quality of your meal to new levels.

So does music matter in a restaurant? Yes, indubitably so. Just like how the aroma, lighting in the restaurant and the aesthetics of the restaurant can affect a customer’s perception of your establishment, so does music. 

The type of music, the playlist and volume might even determine just how long they will stay and if they will come back or not. Let’s see how that can be leveraged to improve the restaurant experience.

Sets the Mood and Emotion

Background music in any place or function has the power to set the mood there. Play a soothing tone and the place becomes relaxed, play some metal and you’ll have fellow metal heads banging their heads. Your restaurant playlist can literally influence mood regulation.

The choice of song, tempo and volume will go a long way in determining if first-time customers will come back around to patronize the restaurant.

If your customers are looking for a fine dining experience where they can relax and discuss during a romantic night out with their customers or with business associates, playing some pop music instead of a classical piece in the background can literally ruin the mood and emotion that is meant for that setting.

Good for Attracting First-Time Customers

Apart from setting the mood, music is very important for attracting first-time customers. Someone passing by your restaurant that wouldn’t have given the place another glance might decide to check you out because they hear a song that they really like, a genre they like or a song they have never heard before.

For example, it is very likely that a rock fan might check out a sandwich spot if they hear some Metallica or Pearl Jam being played inside.

Fuels Social Interaction

It is not unheard of for music to help conversations between two or more individuals who otherwise would not have even acknowledged each other on a regular day. This may also be because the song sets a vibrant and fun mood that inspires people to approach others, or perhaps they are interested in the same song being played.

Fans of rap, classical music, pop and rock will find a way to discuss it and their favorite artist with fellow fans if any of these genres are being played in a restaurant.

How to Create a Good Playlist For Your Restaurant:

Choose a Genre Based on Your Theme

In designing your ideal playlist to use in your restaurant, you must take care with the type of music you play. The theme or the atmosphere of your restaurant cannot contradict the genre. Rock and alternative music, especially those that are loud, attract lively crowds that you will encounter at a pub or bar. Classical compositions, however, suit five star restaurants best since it depicts some degree of elegance and sophistication.

Mind the Volume

While music can be good for a restaurant, the volume and tempo can end up making it bad. High volume and too much bass can be very disruptive, especially when people are trying to eat, think or have important conversations. So you should take care that the volume isn’t too high. 

Choose Timeless Songs

When crafting your playlist, it’s always best to choose timeless songs that people of all ages might be familiar with. Make it a selection of songs that the entire family can listen to.

Need Help Creating a Playlist for Your New England Restaurant? Contact Avery Restaurant Consulting Today!

Avery Restaurant Consulting can help you pick out music for your New England restaurant today. To learn more about our restaurant & hospitality consulting services, contact us on our website or call us at (617) 970 – 8566.