Renovating a Cafe: Everything You Need to Know

Café renovation follows four stages: design, timeline, budget, and outreach. Running a café differs from running a restaurant, so the renovation carries its own considerations around workflow, seating, and peak-hour service.
Whether you are a cafe owner looking to renovate, a new and first-time cafe owner thinking of renovating, or a restaurant owner looking to renovate your restaurant space into a cafe or add a cafe space to your restaurant, you have to understand that running a cafe is different from running a restaurant and when renovating a cafe space there are unique factors that come into play. 

Our Process of Cafe Renovation

As we always say, there is no one size fits all process to renovation and design. The same goes for cafe renovation. Our cafe renovation process is a combination of certain key factors — Design, timeline, budget & cost, and marketing & outreach.

How do you renovate a cafe? 

Café renovation starts with design, then moves through timeline, budget, and marketing. At Sansa interiors, we approach cafe design and renovation projects with the understanding that the design of every space rests on two main pillars: the Design Story and Operational Design. This goes for both small cafe interior design ideas and modern cafe interior design. 

We start by creating a cafe design concept that fits your brand and business goals. We work with both franchise and independent cafés.

Alongside the design story, we create a schematic floor plan for functionality and flow. Good design is functional design.

How long does it take to renovate a cafe? 

Café renovation timelines depend on project size, how extensive the work is, and variables like logistics and City of Toronto permits. Timing within the year matters as much as duration.

Do not renovate during your busiest period. If your café sits downtown and serves office workers their morning coffee, the end of the year when foot traffic drops is a better window.

How much does it cost to renovate a cafe?

Café renovation budgets depend on scope, and the biggest variable is whether you are refreshing the front of house or also renovating the kitchen and replacing appliances. Structural changes like removing walls push costs significantly higher.

Understanding your costs ahead of time is critical, which is why consulting a professional early pays off.

How Should You Market a Cafe Renovation?

Tell customers before, during, and after the renovation. They need to know when you will be closed, and staying visible during the work stops them drifting elsewhere.

Cafés offer convenience and community. Once the work is done, spread the word so returning and new customers know about the new look.

What Should a Cafe Interior Design Plan Include?

Every café renovation needs an interior design plan covering layout, seating, materials, and lighting, built around how you want customers to use the space. The interior tells customers what to expect before they order.

Modern café interiors are a common trend, but a unique and authentic identity matters more than following one.

Starbucks illustrates the point. One of their stated missions is that a coffeehouse should be a place to find connection, so they design for people to stay, with couches, work tables, and fireplaces in some locations. A grab-and-go concept calls for different choices entirely.

Article by Jude Kamal, Founder & Registered Interior Designer of Sansa Interiors

Are you looking for a Cafe Interior Designer?

Sansa Interiors is a Toronto-based interior design company specializing in cafe renovations, remodels, and cafe interior design. We have undertaken very successful cafe renovation projects from designing a brand new boutique cafe to a fresh build cafe remodel project. We work with clients to bring their fresh and unique cafe renovation ideas to life. We are experts in the industry and also handle lots of restaurant design projects. Rest assured your cafe remodel will be in good hands. Cafe renovation requires specifics and contingencies that only experts can navigate properly. When you hire a professional, you can work on a fixed timeline and have confidence that your cafe renovation ideas will be executed seamlessly.