From Plate to Perception: A Comparison Between Fine Dining, Fast Casual, and Fast-Food Restaurant Lighting Design in Dallas, Texas

Abstract

This capstone explores the intersection of lighting psychology and interior design within restaurant environments, focusing on the impact that lighting design has on the dining experience. The research evaluates how lighting design varies across fine dining, fast casual, and fast-food restaurants in Dallas, Texas, and how it affects customers’ perceptions, emotions, and satisfaction. A mixed-method approach was used, combining qualitative interviews with industry professionals and restaurant employees with quantitative analysis of lighting parameters such as color temperature, illuminance, and fixture types across nine case studies. Key findings reveal that fine dining restaurants prioritize warm, high-contrast lighting to enhance intimacy, fast casual spaces balance functionality with comfort, and fast-food establishments rely on bright, even lighting to withstand high traffic and quick turnover. This study highlights how lighting choices can shape the dining ambiance, offering valuable information for young designers, restaurateurs, and lighting professionals seeking to improve customer experiences