The open kitchen for restaurants is a popular trend, driven by the desire to create a more engaging and transparent dining experience. The design allows diners to watch their meals being prepared and fosters interaction with the chef, staff, and restaurant owner. The sense of familiarity that develops during conversations between guests and the staff can be compared to the camaraderie between guests and the winemaker in the tasting room. Diners enjoy that sense of being part of an “in crowd” and return, bringing their friends with them. The return on the investment of remodeling an enclosed kitchen into an open, interactive space can be an increase in business.

“Open kitchens have a lot of benefits,” says Frank Cueva, owner of Central Pacific Construction, “but there are things to think about before we start removing walls.” Cueva has been remodeling home and restaurant kitchens for Paso Robles and nearby communities since 1997. The Central Pacific Construction team is a Central Coast leader for new construction and remodels for a wide range of commercial and residential projects, giving Cueva quite a bit of insight into the details that make an open kitchen project run smoothly.

• Noise levels—One of the most prominent challenges of an open kitchen is managing noise levels. The sounds of a busy kitchen, the clanging pots and pans, the hiss of grills, need to be mitigated so guests can enjoy their meals along with good conversation. Some diners may also choose to be seated in a different location to be a quieter distance from the kitchen. Sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic panels, ceiling tiles, and soft furnishings help dampen kitchen noise.
• Smells and smoke—Advanced ventilation systems that minimize noise while effectively handling kitchen smells and smoke are essential. Quiet, high-capacity exhaust fans and ductwork can ensure that kitchen operations do not disturb diners.
• Limited privacy—Open kitchens reduce privacy for both diners and chefs. Some patrons may feel uncomfortable dining near the kitchen. Similarly, chefs may find it challenging to work without the privacy of a closed kitchen. Partial enclosures or layout designs for strategic seating can provide a compromise between openness and privacy.
• Space constraints—remodeling a kitchen for an open design requires careful consideration of space and layout. Traditional kitchen layouts may not be suitable for an open format and a thoughtful redesign can ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Equipment that offers flexibility and functionality, such as under-counter refrigerators and freezers, can provide easy access to ingredients while maintaining an organized and visually pleasing kitchen space.
• Lighting—Balancing the bright work lights needed in the kitchen with the mood lighting of the dining area is very important. Effective lighting design can help manage this issue. Combining chef task fixtures with theatrical lighting can make the kitchen visually pop while using dimmable ambient fixtures and decorative lighting in the dining area to create a warm, inviting environment.
• Health and safety regulations also need to be considered before remodeling a commercial kitchen. The new kitchen design needs to comply with local health and fire regulations.

Central Pacific Construction is a general contractor, providing full-contracting services for kitchen remodeling anywhere near Paso Robles. All of the special ventilation, cooling, electrical, and regulatory inspections are organized and overseen by the Central Pacific team.

The company’s A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and testimonials from satisfied customers have been earned by the team’s reputation for:

• High level of professional expertise.
• Enthusiasm for taking on new challenges.
• A reputation for excellent service and bold, stylish designs.
• Strong attention to detail and a meticulous work ethic.
• Delivering work on time and within budget.

The locally owned and operated company serves the general construction and kitchen remodeling needs for Paso Robles, nearby communities, and all of the Central Coast.

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