Kitchen Layout: The Most Underrated Profit Driver in a Hotel

While planning a hotel, a lot of attention is rightly given to rooms, façade and public areas. However one of the most critical decisions is often underestimated—the kitchen layout.

At the planning stage, the kitchen must be designed after clearly understanding the target market—business hotel, leisure, banquets, weddings or long-stay guests. A poorly planned kitchen can impact service speed, food quality, staff efficiency and operating costs for years to come.

Key aspects that deserve careful thought:
• Logical workflow – from receiving to storage, prep, cooking, service and wash-up
• Operational flow during peak hours – the layout must support smooth movement of people, food and equipment during busy service without bottlenecks or cross-traffic
• Proximity to restaurants & banquets – to reduce movement, time and fatigue
• Number of food outlets the hotel will operate today and in the future
• Correct space allocation for different cuisines and cooking methods
• Efficient exhaust & ventilation systems – critical for safety and comfort
• Clearly defined dish wash & pot wash areas to avoid cross-traffic
• Right kitchen type – main kitchen, specialty kitchen, banquet kitchen or a combination
• Adequate dry, cold and bulk storage areas for smooth operations

A well-planned kitchen ensures that the food experience matches the quality of the hotel product the owner envisions—consistently and sustainably.

This is precisely why reputed hotel brands insist on engaging a Back-of-House / Facility Planning Consultant, in addition to the architect. It’s not an expense—it’s a long-term investment in efficiency, hygiene and profitability.

You can redesign a lobby but you live with a bad kitchen layout every single day.