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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Your AV system may not be quite as important as your grill or ovens, but it\u2019s nothing to neglect. After all, great design, quality speakers and high-performance screens are key ingredients in creating a memorable and engaging dining experience.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]But just as your restaurant is unlike any other, no two AV systems are exactly alike. Even when it comes to restaurant chains there are slight variations in the design and function of each system, and there are a number of considerations you\u2019ll need to work through if you want to get the best system for your needs and your budget. We\u2019ll break them all down below and provide some insights from our in-house AV specialists.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/us.moodmedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Restaurant-AV-How-to-Get-the-Most-for-your-Money-6-5.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Download This Article” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#cd102f” button_border_color=”#cd102f” button_icon=”=||divi||400″ button_icon_color=”#cd102f” hover_enabled=”0″ button_text_color_hover=”#cd102f” button_border_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_bg_color_hover=”#ffffff” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#cd102f” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” module_class=”mbutton” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Every restaurant thrives off of a unique prime time. For example, sports bars thrive the most on Saturdays and Sundays when all the big games are on. On the other hand, fine dining establishments are typically at their busiest Thursday-Saturday evenings.<\/p>\n
Gib Harris, Director of Systems Sales for Mood Media, emphasizes the importance of understanding the experience you\u2019re trying to create during your busiest times. \u201cI\u2019ll always ask my clients, \u2018what does the experience look and sound like during your prime times?\u2019 Is music front and center to the experience, or is it in the background to create a specific ambiance? Are you trying to make customers feel like they\u2019re at the big game? At a minimum, your audiovisual system needs to provide adequate performance to support that prime time experience.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before you invest in your restaurant AV system, you should consider your clientele and what type of experience they expect at your business.<\/p>\n For example, the middle to upper class gen X\u2019ers aren\u2019t looking for screens all over the dining room and blaring music at their favorite Italian restaurant. They want to have casual conversation while they sip wine and enjoy great meals. However, the millennials who frequent your late night sushi place will likely appreciate loud dance music overhead and ambient visuals on the walls. If they\u2019re sitting at the sushi bar, then they\u2019ll also want to watch some TV while they talk. Remember \u2013 your clientele is just as unique as your brand, and the experience you create is all about catering to their preferences so that they\u2019re more likely to return.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When we talk about coverage, we\u2019re referencing how much space and what areas are being covered by audiovisual. You may not need speakers in every area of your restaurant, and you may only want screens at the entrance and by the bar. Go through your building and make a list of the rooms and areas of each room where audiovisual will have a presence. Factor in outdoor dining areas as well, and be sure to consider different variations for speaker and screen placement. Coverage determines design, placement and the specific hardware required to meet your needs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Simply put, function refers to what your solutions will do. For example, do you want your screens to play TV or display digital signage? Do you want them to do both? Do you want PA functionality in your kitchen? Or maybe you\u2019re looking to create a theater-like experience at your sports bar for game days. As mentioned by Greg Gershon, VP of System Sales at Mood Media, understanding the functionality you need will help you get the best value.<\/p>\n \u201cThe importance of knowing how you want your AV system to function can\u2019t be understated,\u201d says Greg. \u201cIf you have a vision of the functionality you need, your AV provider will be better equipped to guide you towards the right components and quality for your needs and your budget.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There\u2019s an important difference between commercial-grade equipment and home AV, and you\u2019ll want to go with the former if you really want to get the most bang for your buck.<\/p>\n Commercial-grade screens, speakers and amps are designed to run reliably for several hours a day, 365 days a year. Additionally, commercial-grade screens have protective casing that ensure high performance even in a restaurant environment.<\/p>\n A crackling speaker or a fuzzy display on your flat screens isn\u2019t going to have guests slamming their napkins on the table and storming out. However, this type of quality will give your guests a poor impression of your restaurant \u2013 regardless of whether or not your food is good.<\/p>\n Make sure you invest in high-quality, commercial-grade<\/strong> equipment from brands such as Bose, Klipsch, LG, Samsung and others who focus on commercial applications. These manufacturers understand how to design their professional lines of products for maximum performance and reliability in a restaurant environment.<\/p>\n Additionally, if you have multiple locations, going with a commercial-grade manufacturer may provide you with an opportunity to receive discounts by purchasing or leasing equipment in bulk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This point probably goes without saying, but it\u2019s still important to mention. The AV industry is filled with great designers and installers, but it\u2019s in your best interest to find a company that\u2019s specifically experienced in providing Audiovisual Solutions<\/a> for restaurants because they understand how to properly design a system with respect to the demands of a restaurant environment. They\u2019ll ask you the right questions, and consequently, they\u2019ll recommend the right equipment for your needs, space and budget.<\/p>\n Remember – your AV provider should also act as a consultant. If you\u2019ve taken the time to work through the previous five steps before your consultation, then you\u2019ll further empower the AV expert to design and install a system that brings your vision to life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No matter how specific your vision may be, it\u2019s important to keep an open mind during the consultation. Propose your vision, and let the AV professional share their expertise and ask additional questions. These people live and breathe audiovisual, and they understand exactly how to help you create an experience that your guests will want to repeat \u2013 again and again.<\/p>\n#2: Define your clientele<\/h3>\n
#3: Know your coverage.<\/h3>\n
#4: Know your function.<\/h3>\n
#5: Demand commercial-grade.<\/h3>\n
#6: Bring in a qualified restaurant AV expert.<\/h3>\n
#7: Have an open mind.<\/h3>\n