restaurant development + design is a user-driven resource for restaurant professionals charged with building new locations and remodeling existing units.
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6 2 • r e s t a u r a n t d e v e l o p m e n t + d e s i g n • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 DOORS AND WINDOWS W ho doesn't love restau- rant spaces with great entryways, lots of nice big windows, a skylight or two, or maybe even glass walls and roofs that open up on demand to bring more of the outside in? The character and ambiance such features lend both to the exterior and interior can be signifcant, as can the impact on traffc and revenues. Retractable roofs and glass window walls that open up onto patio or sidewalk dining areas represent some of the big- gest trends in the area. Particularly in parts of the country with limited oppor- tunities for outdoor dining, such features help maximize revenue-generating space year-round and make staffng and opera- tions more predictable. Trendy operations, from coffee shops and fast-casual chains to farm-to- table concepts and wine bars, have also made industrial-style glass garage doors, which staff can easily raise or lower depending on the weather, one of the biggest of-the-moment design features. And skylights keep gaining fans as a way to add architectural and design interest. These, like large windows, glass garage doors, opening walls and retractable roofs, can also save on energy costs. That's thanks to daylighting, which can decrease electric lighting use while enhancing the luminous environment of the interior space. While all of these features can be attractive and exciting aesthetically, they come with challenges. Top among them are the impact on indoor air quality and overall heating and cooling costs. Levels of solar heat and glare entering indoor spaces will vary considerably by time of day and season and must be managed to ensure guest comfort and maximum energy effciency. To that end, the Food Service Technology Center recommends choosing the appropriate window place- ment, glass type, flms and shading strategies to help reduce glare and heat gain from sunlight. 2015 PRODUCT ISSUE Opening Wall Systems Cabrio Structures offers custom opening wall systems that provide restaurant operators with greater control of the environment in outdoor spaces. Opening walls allow for the vastness of space that large expanses of glass can give while allowing for the natural environment to become part of the dining experiences. Framed in the warm tones of wood or frameless expanses of glass, Cabrio walls can stack, slide, fold, lift or swing open. www.cabriostructures.com Versatile Roller-Shade System The RB 500 roller shade operating system from Hunter Douglas provides interior shading for both manual and motorized applications. The heavy-duty metal clutch provides smooth lifting capabilities while the universal spring-loaded end plug mounts the shades securely. The shades can help control the amount of light, solar heat gain and glare entering a restaurant space. www.hunterdouglascontract.com