What Are Some Unique Restaurant Concept Ideas to Launch Your Business?

Restaurant owners are always looking for something that helps their establishments stand apart from the competition. To draw crowds and generate revenue, many entrepreneurs are trying to combine food and ambiance into unique restaurant concept ideas that catch the eye of the media as well as patrons.

Modern restaurant concepts come in all forms, but they can be distilled into three common paths:

1.  Cooking Techniques: Whether sticking to traditional recipes or cutting-edge gastronomical technology, cooking techniques drive menu selections and attract customers.
2. Ambiance and Themes: People don’t just go to restaurants for great food – they go for an enjoyable overall experience. Whether your unique restaurant concept includes minimalist architecture, the brass and hardwood design of a traditional pub, or a large aquarium, ambiance draws crowds almost as much as food.
3. Local Flavor: Unique restaurant concept ideas sometimes take a very ambitious approach, but others are leaning into the notion of celebrating everything their region or city has to offer – from signature dishes and drinks to local history, making their establishment a haven for residents and tourists alike.

With this in mind, let’s dive into some of the most unique restaurant concept ideas and explore why they are so successful.

The Farm-to-Table Trend in Modern Restaurant Concepts

Farm-to-table is not necessarily a new idea, but rather one that has been rediscovered in recent years. Instead of purchasing ingredients from large distributors and meat processors, restaurants are sourcing food from local farms. This ensures that everything is fresh while also helping local small agribusinesses thrive and grow. Additionally, farm-to-table offers the unique advantage of a constantly changing menu depending on what is available by season.

Molecular Gastronomy Combines Food with Science and Art

Molecular gastronomy combines advanced science to create edible art. Imagine small caviar-shaped spheres, except they taste like cheesecake and are served on tiny graham cracker rounds. Or a cube that when punctured with a fork, immediately becomes melted chocolate sauce for the dessert hidden inside. Molecular gastronomy is more than a new way to serve food – it is a spectacle that engages all of the senses. More chefs are incorporating molecular gastronomy as a restaurant concept idea to draw crowds who will share their experiences on social media and with friends, which boosts the reputation of the establishment.

Taught by the Chef: A Popular New Restaurant Concept Idea

Some restaurant concepts and ideas breakare breaking the barrier between guests and the kitchen. Instead of an open-concept establishment, where people can watch their food being made, some restaurants are offering classes, so patrons can learn how to make their favorite dishes at home, as taught by the skilled people who created the menu in the first place. For an extra cost, patrons are taught cooking and plating techniques while getting to engage directly with the chef, creating a more intimate experience while also giving greater appreciation for how their food is prepared.

Eco-Friendly Eating: A Restaurant Concept Whose Time Has Come

 The fast food chains – and the restaurant industry as a whole – produce a lot of waste. From unused food to partially eaten dishes, and more, a lot of product goes into the trash, which is not only bad for the environment, but also bad for the balance sheet. Eco-consciousness is one of the up-and-coming new restaurant concepts and ideas that is set to gain traction with various audiences and attract more clientele. From the architecture to the seating, how food is prepared, and how waste is managed, eco-friendly eating is very much in demand and creates its own marketing campaigns.

New Restaurant Concepts and Ideas for Local Eating

Maine is known for Lobster. Florida is known for seafood and tropical drinks. Maryland? Crab. New Orleans? Gumbo. Every state – and often every town – has its own specialty dishes, produce, drinks, and history. Where many areas used to shy away from their local specialties or guard them as hidden gems, one of the latest restaurant concepts and ideas is to lean into local flavor by going over the top to celebrate it. If you want your restaurant to become the “go-to” place for locals, tourists, and people just passing through, then you should consider creating a menu and organizing events that celebrate your region. Everything from supporting local sports teams to adapting hometown recipes – becoming known as the place for local food, gatherings, and good times ensures a constant stream of revenue without relying on outside influences or chasing the latest trends.

Beer Gardens Are Taking the Spotlight in New Restaurant Concepts and Ideas

Around a decade ago, there were only a few beer gardens across the United States. They were novel at the time, and while it took a few years for the general public to “get” the concept of an open venue with outdoor space for gathering, the popularity is skyrocketing. People everywhere are looking for beer gardens for their casual atmosphere, open floor plans, incredible craft beer selections, and good food – everything needed to have a great time with friends as well as for organizational functions. Among new restaurant concepts and ideas, beer gardens are the favorite among restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and investors because of the high revenue stream and fairly low investment point.

New Restaurant Concepts, Ideas, and Opportunities

While many new restaurant concepts and ideas involve a hefty investment, there are opportunities with low price points, offering tremendous growth while riding the upward momentum of a few of the ideas listed above. Bohemian Bull combines both local flavor and the growing popularity of beer gardens. Bohemian Bull Tavern & Beer Garden provides patrons with a laid-back atmosphere, outdoor seating for gatherings and functions, a tremendous craft beer selection, and a variety of dishes made with ingredients sourced from locales to suit any craving. On top of that, Bohemian Bull encourages franchisees to draw inspiration from their locales to make their establishments a home for local residents and visitors alike. 

With a low investment cost, an appeal to some of the hottest restaurant concepts, and a blueprint for high ROI, Bohemian Bull is a growing brand poised to charge into new markets. If you want to learn more about our great franchise opportunities, contact the team at Bohemian Bull today.