Running a Restaurant For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Decide how much of the outdoors you want indoors, and vice versa. Outside noise from traffic and weather affects your atmosphere. Do you want to be able to open windows (or even move walls) on sunny spring days? If you have outdoor seating, is it an extension of the inside or a completely different space? Maybe your outside dining is more casual, with all-weather furniture, awnings, and logoed umbrellas.

Fast casual takes the concept of a quick-service deli and blows it out into a range of cuisines, combining counter service, comfortable but basic furnishings, takeout, and occasionally delivery

The term casual dining is a catchall for anything that isn’t fast food or fine dining.

Change is the only constant in the restaurant business.