Planning A Franchise Restaurant Renovation? Here’s What You Need To Know

Planning a restaurant renovation for a franchise location can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re updating décor, refreshing layout, or upgrading your kitchen systems, this is a high‑stakes investment.

Done well, a renovation strengthens brand consistency, boosts efficiency, and improves customer experience while aligning with corporate standards. Done poorly, it disrupts operations, exceeds budget, and dilutes brand perception.

This guide is built for Canadian franchisees, especially in Alberta, who want clear, step‑by‑step insights into branding compliance, permit preparation, budgeting, timelines, and contractor coordination.

It’s designed to convert: you’ll know exactly what to ask your general contractor or design‑build partner, and how BelVan Construction can help at every step.

Franchise Agreement Requirements And Brand Standards

Review The Renovation Clause

Most franchise agreements include a renovation clause that mandates your design, materials, and aesthetic updates meet corporate branding. These may include specific finishes, equipment layouts, lighting specs, POS locations, and signage. Failing to comply can delay approvals or incur fees.

Coordinate With The Franchisor

Before hiring contractors, secure approval from your franchisor’s real estate or design team. They often provide branded drawings or a fit‑up manual. Ensure your restaurant renovation plan aligns, from site dimensions to floor finishes and the kitchen workflow.

Define The Scope And Strategic Goals Of Your Renovation

Set Clear Objectives

Determine whether you’re executing a facelift, partial upgrade, or full layout reconfiguration. Are you adding drive‑thru space or adapting for new menu equipment? Are you planning to improve energy efficiency, accessibility, or compliance with local codes?

Prioritize High‑Impact Areas For ROI

Franchise restaurants often see the greatest return by updating the entrance, dining area, restrooms, and kitchen workflow. These areas influence customer impressions and staff efficiency. Allocate your renovation budget accordingly.

Create A Detailed Budget with Contingency

• Design fees: ~10–15%

• Equipment, finishes, signage: up to $100+ per square foot

• Permits, structural work, HVAC or electrical upgrades
• Add at least 10–15% contingency for unplanned costs

Focus On Payback Metrics

Aim for improvements that pay off within 3–5 years via increased sales, efficiency, or lower utility costs. Communicate these ROI expectations to your franchisor and construction manager.

How To Renovate Without Shutting Down

Plan During Off‑Peak Or Night Hours

To minimise downtime, schedule noisy or disruptive tasks during evenings, off‑peak times, or the slow season. Use phased construction zones to keep parts of the restaurant operational.

Realistic Durations

For a partial refresh, professional renovation services may take 4–8 weeks. Full gut‑out and rebuild can extend to 8–12 or more weeks, not counting design and permit phases.

Coordinate Permits And Inspections Early

Apply for municipal building permits, health authority approvals, and accessibility compliance as early as possible. In Ontario, for example, approvals for kitchens or occupancy changes can take 4–8 weeks.

Choosing The Right Contractor Or Design‑Build Partner

Look For Franchise Experience

Select a general contractor or commercial renovation company with proven franchise renovation experience. They should understand corporate brand standards, code compliance, and phased execution without disrupting service.

Evaluate Communication And Planning Skills

Your partner should be strong in:

• Transparent cost estimates

• Clear scheduling and milestone tracking

• Noise, dust and traffic management strategies

• Regular updates to you and your franchisor

Offer Promotions To Retain Customers

Working with the renovation team to plan marketing touchpoints, temporary signage, social posts, or soft‑opening offers can keep customers engaged during renovations.

Layout And Operational Efficiency

Creating an efficient layout is essential in any restaurant renovation, especially for franchise locations where kitchen workflow and customer circulation directly affect service speed and profitability. The kitchen should follow a logical flow, starting with storage and prep areas, moving into cooking, then plating, and finally service zones.

Streamlining these areas not only reduces staff fatigue but can also improve food delivery times by 20 to 30 percent. When renovating the dining area, it’s important to ensure ample space for guest movement and comfort.

Design best practices suggest allowing 18 to 20 square feet per customer to accommodate seating and traffic flow without overcrowding.

Lighting also plays a key role in enhancing the customer experience and maintaining brand standards. Warm, ambient lighting in the dining space creates a welcoming atmosphere, while efficient task lighting in the kitchen boosts productivity and safety. All of these factors must be considered together to ensure the renovation enhances both operations and the guest experience.

Compliance, Permitting And Accessibility Requirements

Navigating compliance requirements is one of the most critical aspects of a franchise restaurant renovation. Every project must adhere to local building codes, health and safety regulations, and fire protection standards.

Contractors should be well-versed in the requirements set by public health authorities regarding commercial kitchen design, food safety, ventilation systems, and emergency exits. Any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing upgrades must also be completed to code before the space can reopen.

In addition to technical compliance, accessibility cannot be overlooked. In Canada, standards vary by province, but the underlying principle remains the same: ensuring that the renovated restaurant is welcoming and usable for all patrons, including those with mobility challenges.

This includes barrier-free entrances, compliant washroom design, accessible seating arrangements, and clear pathways throughout the dining and service areas.

About BelVan Construction

At BelVan Construction, we specialize in commercial design-build services and renovation management for franchise restaurants, retail, offices, and industrial spaces across Edmonton and Alberta. Our team combines deep local knowledge, construction management expertise, and brand-aligned design execution.

We ensure your restaurant renovation meets franchisor standards, municipal codes, and operational timelines with minimal disruption. Ready to talk? Contact us to schedule a consultation and bring your franchise vision to life.