Music plays a huge role in shaping the atmosphere of your restaurant. The right playlist enhances the dining experience, sets the tone for your brand, and keeps customers coming back. But how do you create a custom playlist that works perfectly for your space? Follow these steps to build a restaurant playlist that hits all the right notes.
Table of Contents
Step 1 – Define Your Brand’s Sound
Your restaurant’s music should reflect your brand identity. Are you running an upscale steakhouse, a lively sports bar, or a cozy cafe? Each venue has a different vibe, and your music should match. Think about your clientele, your decor, and the type of experience you want to create.
Examples:
- A high-end Italian restaurant might go for smooth jazz or classical instrumentals.
- A casual brunch spot could lean into acoustic covers and indie folk.
- A fast-casual burger joint might favor upbeat rock or alternative hits.
Step 2 – Consider Your Customer Flow
The energy in your restaurant changes throughout the day. Your playlist should evolve with it.
- Lunch Rush: Keep things upbeat and energetic to maintain a lively atmosphere.
- Afternoon Lull: Play something more relaxed to create a welcoming, laid-back environment.
- Dinner Service: Opt for smooth, ambient tracks that encourage conversation.
- Late Night: Depending on your crowd, you might want more energetic beats to keep the momentum going.
Step 3 – Balance Familiarity with Discovery
Customers love hearing songs they recognize, but a well-crafted playlist also introduces them to new music. Blend popular tracks with lesser-known gems or throwbacks to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
Step 4 – Mind the Volume and Tempo
Your music should complement the dining experience, not overpower it. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
- Keep music at a moderate volume to allow for easy conversation.
- Match the tempo to your service speed—faster-paced songs work well for high-turnover seating, while slower tempos encourage guests to linger.
Step 5 Stay on the Right Side of Licensing Laws
Playing music in your restaurant requires the proper licenses. Streaming from personal services like Spotify or Apple Music isn’t legal for commercial use. Instead, use a business-focused music provider that ensures you have the rights to play songs publicly—this is where Control Play can help.
Click here To learn more about licensing
Step 6 – Regularly Refresh Your Playlist
A stale playlist can dull the atmosphere over time. Update your selections every few weeks to keep things fresh for repeat customers. Seasonal themes, trending tracks, and new releases help maintain an exciting, dynamic music experience.
Step 7 – Automate and Adjust as Needed
Managing a restaurant is busy enough without worrying about what song is playing next. With a professional music system like Control Play, you can automate playlists based on time of day, audience, and restaurant type—ensuring the right music plays at the right moment.
Tips
- Match your menu to your music: If you have a seasonal menu, consider switching your playlist to match the mood—warm, cozy sounds in the winter, light and bright music in the summer.
- Playlists for different seating areas: If your restaurant has multiple spaces (bar, patio, dining room), tailor music to each one.
- Use sound to control table turnover: Faster beats encourage quicker dining, while mellow tunes invite customers to stay longer.
- Test your playlist: Walk through your restaurant during peak hours and adjust volume and song transitions for the best effect.
For even more curated playlists, check out our Control Play Playlists and find the perfect soundtrack for your restaurant.
Let’s Build Your Perfect Playlist
Here are some handpicked song ideas for different restaurant settings:
- Casual Brunch Spot: “Better Together” – Jack Johnson, “Sunday Morning” – Maroon 5
- Upscale Dining: “Feeling Good” – Nina Simone, “Clair de Lune” – Debussy
- Lively Bar: “Shut Up and Dance” – WALK THE MOON, “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- Cozy Cafe: “Banana Pancakes” – Jack Johnson, “Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
Creating a custom restaurant playlist isn’t just about picking great songs—it’s about crafting an experience that enhances your brand, delights your guests, and keeps them coming back. Want to make the process effortless? Let Control Play handle it for you. Reach out today and let’s get the music just right!
