A Guide to Commercial Kitchen Fit Out and Design
- Shopfitting Brisbane
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Opening a restaurant or café in Brisbane is an exciting venture, but getting the design of your commercial kitchen right is key to success.
From meeting health and safety regulations to maximising efficiency and creating a stylish, functional space, there’s a lot to consider. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about commercial kitchen fitouts in Brisbane, helping you get it right from the start.

Understanding Brisbane’s Health and Safety Regulations Before you Begin your Commercial Kitchen Design & Fit Out
Brisbane has strict guidelines for commercial kitchens to ensure the health and safety of both staff and customers. Meeting these regulations isn’t optional; compliance is essential for operation. Some key areas to focus on include:
Hygienic Surfaces: Workspaces should use durable, non-porous materials like stainless steel that are easy to clean and maintain.
Commercial Kitchen Ventilation and Exhaust Systems (HVAC): Proper ventilation is essential to remove heat, smoke, and grease, keeping the kitchen safe and comfortable for your team.
Food Safety Protocols: Your kitchen design should have clear zoning for food prep, cooking, and cleaning to prevent cross-contamination.
Lighting and Electrical Systems: Ensure that lighting is sufficient for safe work while electrical circuits are robust enough to handle heavy-duty kitchen equipment.
A professional kitchen design consultant can help ensure your commercial kitchen layout complies with health and safety standards while remaining functional and efficient.
Who Can Benefit From Expert Commercial Kitchen Design & Fit Outs
Restaurants
Cafes
Bakeries
Butchers
Delis
Burger Bars and Pizzerias
Ghost Kitchens
Pubs, Breweries & Bars
Aged Care Facilities
Schools
Training Kitchens
Maximising Space and Workflow Efficiency in Your Commercial Kitchen Design & Fit Out
Space and efficiency are the backbone of any commercial kitchen. Whether you’re running a bustling restaurant, a cosy café, wholesale supply or a ghost kitchen purely for an online-delivery business, ensuring that your staff can work seamlessly is critical.

Smart Layout of Your Commercial Kitchen: Choose a layout that aligns with your kitchen’s workflow. Popular options include assembly line, zone-style, or island layouts. Each accommodates different types of kitchens and cuisines.
Ergonomic Design: Arrange prep stations, cooking equipment, and cleaning zones in a way that minimises movement and maximises functionality.
Zoning in Your Commercial Kitchen Design: Clearly designate areas for specific tasks such as food prep, cooking, plating, and cleaning. This not only improves efficiency but also complies with food-safe practices.
We've seen it time and time again—investing in professional kitchen design transforms your space into a powerhouse of efficiency and safety. It not only elevates functionality but also helps you avoid costly mistakes down the road.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Commercial Kitchen
Selecting the right equipment is just as important as the layout itself. Your choices will depend on your menu, the volume of meals you serve, and your operational needs.
Key Equipment to Consider In Your Commercial Kitchen Fit Out:
Cooking Equipment: From ranges to ovens and fryers, match your equipment to the dishes you plan to serve.
Refrigeration: Adequate refrigeration is crucial. Consider walk-in fridges, under-counter units, and blast chillers depending on your storage needs.
Ventilation: High-quality exhaust and hood systems are essential to ensure proper airflow while meeting Brisbane’s safety regulations.
Prep Stations: Worktables and cutting stations should be durable and easy to clean, offering plenty of space for staff to prep dishes efficiently.
Smallwares: Don’t overlook details like pans, ladles, and utensils. These little additions can make or break the functionality of a kitchen.
High-quality, durable equipment in your commercial kitchen fit out may have a higher upfront cost but will save you money in maintenance and replacements over time.

Budgeting and Cost-Effective Solutions for Commercial Kitchen Fit Outs
A well-executed commercial kitchen fit out doesn’t need to break the bank.
Careful planning and prioritisation are key to staying within budget.
Create a Detailed Plan: Work with professional kitchen fitout designers to create a clear plan, outlining must-haves versus nice-to-haves.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Purchase durable, high-performance commercial kitchen equipment to save on repairs and replacement in the future.
Consider Pre-Owned Commercial Kitchen Equipment: Quality second-hand items like ovens and fridges can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing performance.
Seek Professional Advice: Many commercial kitchen fit out companies offer free consultations to recommend cost-saving strategies while maintaining quality.
Trends in Commercial Kitchen Design in Brisbane
Brisbane has a vibrant restaurant and café scene, and staying up-to-date with the latest fit out trends can help your business stand out.
Sustainability: Eco-friendly commercial kitchens are in demand. This includes installing energy-efficient appliances, recycling systems, and sustainable materials in both front and back of house.
Open Kitchens: Customers love being able to see the action behind the scenes. An open kitchen design not only adds transparency but also creates a lively atmosphere.
Technology Integration: From smart appliances to digital order tracking systems, technology is transforming how commercial kitchens operate.
Minimalist Aesthetics: Sleek, simple designs with clean lines are popular, especially in fast-paced environments.
Whether you’re looking to adopt a sustainable approach or showcase your team’s culinary skills in an open kitchen, staying on trend with your fit
out can enhance customer experience and brand perception.
Planning Your Commercial Kitchen Fitout

Creating a commercial kitchen involves several steps to ensure efficiency, safety, and style.
Consult with Experts
Work with professional commercial kitchen designers who understand Brisbane’s unique requirements. Their expertise in health regulations, function-focused layouts, and equipment planning will save you time and headaches.
Design & Layout
Choose a layout that fits your establishment’s needs. Think about the flow from ingredients to plate and ensure the design is ergonomic for your team.
Equipment Selection
Invest in high-quality, durable equipment tailored to your menu and volume requirements. This includes everything from ranges and ovens to refrigeration and prep stations.
Commercial Kitchen Fit Out & Installation
Work with reliable contractors experienced in commercial kitchens to ensure the fit out adheres to regulations and operates efficiently.
Staff Training
Once your kitchen is ready, properly train your staff on using equipment and following cleaning and maintenance protocols.

Your Perfect Commercial Kitchen Awaits
The design and fit out of your commercial kitchen is about more than just meeting Brisbane’s regulatory requirements. It’s about creating a space where your team can craft memorable dishes while operating efficiently and safely.
At Shopfitting Brisbane, we specialise in crafting custom commercial kitchen fit outs that meet the unique needs of Brisbane restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses.
Whether you’re looking for sustainable solutions, modern trends, or a functional layout tailored to your needs, we’re here to help.
Start planning your dream commercial kitchen today - contact us for a consultation!
For more information on commercial kitchen fitouts
Plus a few of our recent commercial kitchen fit outs across Brisbane
If you're looking to build an amazing commercial kitchen?
Look no further than the expert guidance of the Shopfitting Brisbane Team.
Call us for a free quote
From beginning to end, we're here to meet all your commercial
kitchen fit out requirements.
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