The success of a restaurant is influenced by numerous factors, including cuisine, service, and location. Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture, offers a framework for optimizing the energy flow within a commercial establishment to support prosperity, customer satisfaction, and operational harmony. According to the provided guidelines, aligning a restaurant’s layout with specific directional energies can help avoid obstacles, attract more customers, and provide a quality experience that encourages repeat visits. While general Vastu principles often suggest North or East entrances, some sources indicate that a precise analysis based on the Vastu Purush Mandal is necessary to determine the ideal facing, as certain positions within these directions may contain malefic energies.
Restaurant Entrance and Facing
The main entrance is considered the gateway for energy into the restaurant. The orientation of this entrance plays a significant role in the flow of wealth and fortune.
Entrance Directions * East or North: Several sources advise that the main entrance should ideally be located in the East or North direction. These directions are believed to bring wealth and fortune to the owners. It is also recommended that the entrance looks bright and welcoming to attract positive energy. * Vastu Purush Mandal Analysis: However, one source notes that while general information suggests North or East entrances, this is not always logical according to Vastu. Depending on the Vastu Purush Mandal, there may be malefic positions in the North and East directions. Therefore, the most important step is to determine the ideal facing based on a specific analysis of the plot.
Specific Facings * West-Facing Restaurants: Regarding the specific query about West-facing restaurants, opinions vary. * One source explicitly states, "West facing is not advisable." * Another source suggests that for a West-facing restaurant, the kitchen should be located in the South-East (Anil Pada). * North-West Facing Restaurants: A North-West facing entrance is considered inauspicious, especially if it is precisely placed in the North-West corner. * South-West Entrance: According to guidelines, one should avoid taking a property if the restaurant outlet has a South-West entrance.
Kitchen Placement and Layout
The kitchen is the heart of a restaurant, generating the energy that sustains the business. Proper placement is crucial for auspicious results.
General Guidelines * The kitchen should always be constructed in the South-East direction. This is considered the most auspicious position. * Generators, inverters, geysers, and other electrical equipment should also be placed in the South-East.
Directional Specifics for Kitchens While the South-East is the general recommendation, the optimal kitchen direction can vary based on the restaurant's facing. The following table summarizes the recommended kitchen directions for different facings according to one source:
| Restaurant Facing | Recommended Kitchen Direction (Pada) |
|---|---|
| North | South-East (Anil Pada) |
| East | West (Varun Pada) |
| South | North-West (Vayu Pada) |
| West | South-East (Anil Pada) |
Another source reiterates that the ideal locations for a kitchen are the South-East, West, and North-West corners. However, it is noted that these rules cannot be applied universally, and a complicated process involving specific parameters is required to identify the right kitchen location for a particular type of restaurant.
Washroom and Toilet Placement
The placement of washrooms and toilets requires careful attention to avoid disturbing the positive energies of the restaurant.
General Recommendations * Toilets should be located in the North-West or West of the restaurant. * One source suggests that the location of the toilet can be done in the South-South-West or in the West of the North-West corner.
Detailed Analysis and Warnings * North-West Placement: There is a specific warning regarding the North-West direction. While many people say North-West is fine for toilets, this is not considered fully correct. The North-West is ruled by Moon, which controls customer mood and satisfaction. Placing a washroom exactly in the North-West may cause customers to feel irritated or uncomfortable, even if the food is good. * Best Position: The best position for a washroom is described as being between the West and North-West. In this location, Saturn absorbs the waste energy, and the Moon is not disturbed. * Prohibited Zones: Washrooms should never be placed in the North-East (which blocks blessings), the South-East (which disturbs the fire/kitchen energy), or the exact North-West (which affects customer happiness).
Reception, Storage, and Cash Counter
Other key areas of the restaurant include the reception, storage rooms, and the cash counter.
Reception * The reception should be placed in the Northern side. * The person sitting at the reception or the owner should face East or North direction while receiving payment.
Storage * A storage room for raw materials and grains must be ideally placed in the South-West. * There is no provision to build a store room in the North-East corner or North side of the restaurant. The Vastu rule is to make the store room on the West side and on the South side. * One should avoid keeping damaged or unused items in the South-West.
Cash Counter * The cash counter can generally be placed in the South-East, West, and exact North direction. * However, one source advises that the cash counter should be in the Southwest. * For billing, the drawer should open towards the North or East.
Seating, Colors, and Atmosphere
Creating a harmonious atmosphere is essential for attracting and retaining customers.
Seating Arrangements * It is advisable to make the sitting arrangement of the restaurant on the first floor only. * For the owner or manager, the seating should be in the South-West, facing East or North.
Colors and Lighting * General: The restaurant should be well-ventilated and lighted, not dark and dingy. It is advisable to tint restaurant walls with light shades and avoid dark and complicated colors. * South & South-East Zones: Use warm colors like red, orange, or yellow to increase hunger. * North & East Zones: Use light shades like green, white, or cream to keep people calm. * South-West Zone: Use earthy colors like brown or grey for stable seating. * Black: Avoid too much black, unless it is for a night café or lounge theme.
Amenities and Decor * North-East: This area should be kept clean and tidy. Incorporating a water source, such as a water fountain, is recommended. Soft music should be played in the North-East. * North: Place plants or water bowls in the North. Displaying the best dishes in the North is also suggested. * TV and Aquarium: Always try to place the TV on an East side wall. Additionally, an aquarium can be placed under the TV sets. * Aroma: Keep a good aroma at the entrance. * Structural Elements: Avoid beams, pillars, and arches in the restaurant premise as they bring losses.
General Vastu Tips for Restaurants
To ensure a flourishing business, several general guidelines should be followed:
- Plot Shape: The shape of the plot in a commercial place plays a significant role in making a business healthy and wealthy. Vastu suggests having a regular shape plot for the restaurant.
- Location: Keep the location of the restaurant well-recognized. Vastu-defected locations can affect the flourishing business.
- Marketing and Promotion: Vastu Shastra has given priority to using the North-East and East sides of the restaurant for marketing and promotion.
- Cleanliness: The restaurant should be cleaned and aired daily to allow negative energy to exit and positive energy to enter.
Conclusion
Aligning a restaurant with Vastu principles involves a detailed understanding of directional energies and their influence on different operational areas. From the placement of the entrance and kitchen to the specific orientation of the cash counter and washrooms, each element contributes to the overall energy of the establishment. While general guidelines suggest auspicious directions such as South-East for the kitchen and North or East for the entrance, the provided sources emphasize the importance of a nuanced approach. For instance, the exact placement of a washroom in the North-West can negatively impact customer mood, highlighting the need for precision. By adhering to these principles, restaurant owners can create a harmonious environment that supports business growth, customer satisfaction, and overall prosperity.