ideas for Deli refresh

2 years ago

I typically only work on residential units but have taken on a commercial project where I have been tasked with revitalizing an old deli. Would love to hear some thoughts from the Houzz community on what I should do to give this place a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

Obvious choices would be to replace the floor and I absolutely need to change the lighting.

Featured Answer

Kendrah

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Consider merchandising, then see how design elements relate. The store looks empty. Filler looking stores sell more goods. Can they invest in more inventory?

- Once the space looks fuller you wont even notice the floors. The floors are a good color for hising dirt, a major effort to replace. Keep them and switch out the mats for ones with less contrast.

- Hang a long row of large pendant lights all the way down the deli case row. Make a visual impact with them, it will make the space look fuller.

- Add other lighting to the rest of the space.

- Keep the black shelves, paint them to match the walls, pack them and to end with large costco size jars of pretty looking ingredients - artichokes artichokes, olives olives, mustard, whatever.

- Add shelves below the cases and counter with cookies and chips. They will sell more for sure, also get more shoplifting, but I bet they come out ahead in the end. Still keep the chips in the shelves in the back. If you see something in multiple places you are more likely to buy.

- Add signage to the top part of fridge doors, black with bold white writing : Water, iced tea, soda. Decorative but reminds people to buy something to drink.

- Place in large black font, COFFEE, over the coffee table. Etsy sells lots of coffee wall decals for stores. Swap out the pictures for peg boards where you can hang mini shelves with cookies and protein bars.

- After you add more goods and interesting lighting and verbiage to the space, see if you really need to chamge the tables amd chairs or not. They look comfortable and easy to configure.

In the end. the goal is to have a thriving business that can look nice too, ot just a pretty deli.

Shelving with more packaged goods

Signage of what’s in the fridge. Do this with the drinks.

Inexpensive Ikea lights to create a long row above the deli counter, three above the coffee stand too. I bet restaurant supply places have them in many colors.

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Comments (12)

la_la Girl
2 years ago
Fun project! - I would take down those black shelves mounted up high across from the display cases for a cleaner feel, and agree that better lighting would help (are those tin ceiling panels?)
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Of course better lighting for sure. Maybe something more like this So not so much reflection on the ceiling This is LED you can choose the temp I like 4000K usually. I agree those shelves need to go and a new floor will be expensive and if that one is not damaged maybe try to work with it .Maybe some funky new colorful chairs for a bit of an update.
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chispa
2 years ago
For more ideas, some of the "Home Town" shows on HGTV that are revitalizing small towns across the US, have done several commercial projects as well as the residential ones. You might want to look up some of those shows with the commercial projects.
apple_pie_order
2 years ago
It looks well maintained, clean and well stocked. When you consider changes, keep in mind that ease of cleaning helps the owners pass health inspections. If the floors have not been professionally cleaned recently, start with that before deciding to replace the tile. Dangling lights should be minimized because they require much more frequent cleaning.
Emily
2 years ago
The space is nice but needs warming up. If the plan is to change the floor consider doing a polished concrete. It’s super easy to keep clean and maintain. Paint the walls a warm dark color and keep the white cabinets. Sub out the metal carts for wood shelving for texture.
Emily
2 years ago
Here's a look at what a few changes could do for the space.
freedomplace1
2 years ago
The Deli is nice as it is. I agree with the idea of just having the existing floor cleaned, if you want to keep it simple. The other idea I would consider is the possibility of laying a wood look LVP over the current floor. This could create a dramatic change in the look and feel of the space, fairly economically and easily.. The existing wall color is fine. Main thng is lighting; the overall ceiling lighting - and counter lighting is also important. I can’t tell how much lighting there is in the food display areas. The couple of pics below with hanging lights, also, is one approach - but just having more lighting behind the glass could be enough. Lighting is the main thing.

https://www.pinterest.com/josephkforex/deli-design/
A Mat
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Ask the neighbors if they eat there. Ask the customers what they want.

Small neighborhood deli, is it about refresh the shop or refresh the menu.

If you refresh the shop, but the food is not liked, then ?.. A shop with desired food doesnt need lights/shelves .

eta, the pictures of the shop look good. it maybe the food or location.
Robin Mueller
Original Author
2 years ago
Such amazing feedback!!! Thank you to everyone that has contributed so far!
dan1888
2 years ago
The pics of delis on the net are great inspiration.

Davoli Paris
Rachel
2 years ago
Also, think about the city/location. It would be nice to pay homage to something local.