Increasing competition within the global restaurant industry has provided customers with a wider range of dining options. In Nigeria, particularly in the Port Harcourt metropolis, the interior and exterior design of restaurants has become an important marketing factor influencing food service delivery. This study examined the impact of restaurant layout on food service delivery. Specifically, it sought to determine how restaurant layout affects food service delivery, assess its influence on customer satisfaction, and examine the extent to which an effective layout can increase customer patronage. The study adopted a survey research design involving 48 staff members of Golden Tulip GRA, Port Harcourt, within Port Harcourt Local Government Area. Data were analyzed using simple percentages, while the hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square statistical technique. The findings revealed that restaurant layout significantly influences food service delivery, contributes to customer satisfaction through service provision, and serves as a marketing tool for attracting customers. The results further indicated that different aspects of restaurant layout jointly influence customers’ restaurant choices. Based on these findings, the study recommended that restaurant operators consider broader design factors when developing functional and attractive layouts to improve service delivery. Particular attention should be given to lighting, colour schemes, sound and acoustics, heating, cooling and ventilation, material selection, and outdoor spaces. These design elements should be examined individually and collectively to establish effective principles for restaurant layout planning. The study also concluded that customers’ decisions to patronize a restaurant are influenced by a combination of factors, including interior design, food quality, and customer service.

Keywords: Restaurant Layout, Food Service Delivery, Customer Satisfaction, Restaurant Design, Customer Patronage, Restaurant Marketing.