8 Tips for Building or Renovating a Restaurant at the Lake of the Ozarks

PCE Construction • May 16, 2025

PCE Construction Will Help You Open Your Dream Restaurant in Lake Ozark, MO. Follow These Steps When Remodeling a Restaurant & You’ll Be Set Up for Success

 

The Lake of the Ozarks is a great destination for managing a restaurant. With an active tourist population and many growth opportunities with residents as well, your business can thrive whether you open a classic American diner or a beautiful brunch cafe by the water. However, you will need to make several important decisions when renovating your restaurant with a contractor. For the best results, you should have a clear idea of what you want and a capable construction team to help guide your decisions. Before starting your restaurant renovation, think about the following eight factors that will be most relevant in your project. 


Design the best commercial kitchen renovation for your restaurant in Lake Ozark, MO

 

First, think about the most important room of any mid-Missouri restaurant – the kitchen. Your commercial kitchen needs enough space for efficient cooking and a layout that makes it easy to comply with health regulations. You should carefully design each station of the restaurant kitchen, from the prep table to the grills to the freezer. By the time your commercial kitchen is finished, there should be a clear, accessible path for chefs and employees to follow. When your kitchen is perfected, the rest will soon follow. 


Include utilities in your mid-Missouri restaurant remodeling plan

 

Having a modern kitchen is essential, but one of the biggest priorities for any commercial remodel is updating infrastructure and utilities. These are the necessities that operate behind the scenes in a restaurant building, such as ventilation, plumbing, water supply, electrical power, and more! Opening a restaurant will require significant energy, so it’s important to think of ways you can conserve energy. To learn more about energy-efficient commercial construction in Lake Ozark, MO, check out our educational blog.

SAVE ON UTILITIES

Choose the right furniture & finishes with your restaurant renovation contractor in Lake Ozark, MO


The most exciting step for many restaurant owners is building out the theme of their establishment through furnishing and materials! When opening or remodeling a restaurant at The Lake, start by picking out the basics like flooring and wall colors, since these features will be the backdrop for the rest of your decor. Consider using resilient materials such as hardwood or vinyl and including stainless steel in the kitchen. Make sure you also order the right number of tables and booths to seat guests, being mindful of seating for bars and waiting areas in addition to the dining section.


Finance your restaurant remodel at The Lake with care 


The majority of your construction or renovation results will depend strongly on how you allocate your budget. A new restaurant takes time and resources to accomplish, so investing wisely is a must. You don’t want to have issues from going over budget, and alternatively, you don’t want to spend time on a renovation that doesn’t follow through. The best method for avoiding this is planning, planning, and more planning. Take note of an estimate that includes your most wanted changes to the restaurant, giving you a reference to follow and a goal you can discuss with your contractor in Lake Ozark, MO.


Set a timeline to plan ahead & follow the construction process easily for your mid-Missouri restaurant 


When renovating a restaurant, you need to plan not just for your finances, but your timeline as well. Commercial construction in Lake Ozark, MO can take a few months to complete, and that time can potentially be extended by weather delays, supply chain problems, or design changes. If you don’t want to deal with the stress of remodeling a restaurant during a busy period of your life, it’s important to think ahead and carve out the time to give your project proper attention.


Make sure you have the right permits for a restaurant remodel in Lake Ozark, MO


The health inspector is just one of many visits you can expect during the opening of your restaurant. While food safety checks and grease inspections are immediate priorities, restaurant owners will also need to earn their permits in other departments. These permits can apply to the interior and exterior of a commercial building, addressing zoning regulations and confirming the functionality of different utilities. If your restaurant has a bar, you will also need the proper licenses for serving drinks. Last but certainly not least, get a permit from the fire department and ensure you have adequate fire alarms and extinguishers in the restaurant. 


Repair areas of the commercial property that need extra attention from your mid-Missouri contractors


Choosing new decorations and refreshing the area is fun, but don’t forget to make improvements where they are needed most. Your restaurant renovation is a chance to build upon the previous layout and fix mistakes where applicable. For example, a bathroom stall that has been out of order for months can finally be restored with proper budgeting. On the other hand, you can upgrade the quality of the menu by replacing ovens and stovetops in your mid-MO commercial kitchen. Before you start elaborating on additional designs, focus on the areas that need help first. 


Spread the word around the Lake of the Ozarks & bring attention to your newly remodeled restaurant 


After all the hard work and planning to finish your restaurant renovation, it’s time to let people know! Posting on social media, building a website, and hosting events are just a few of the many ways you can promote the new restaurant to the public. Customers in Lake Ozark, MO will appreciate a quality remodel, and may even spread the news to people they know through word of mouth!


PCE Construction Serves Local Restaurant Owners So They Can Better Serve Their Customers. Get in Touch With Our Restaurant Remodeling Contractors in Lake Ozark, MO! 


Want to make sure your restaurant remodel goes perfectly? Put your trust in a team of contractors like PCE Construction. For decades, restaurant owners in Lake Ozark, MO and surrounding areas have turned to us for detailed commercial renovations. Call PCE Construction today and get ready to open for business!

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