How one restaurateur turned a basic office tenancy into a vibrant hospitality venue, without blowing the budget.
When you already run one successful hospitality venue, opening a second should be easier, right?
Well… not when the new tenancy is a former office with zero kitchen infrastructure. No grease trap. No exhaust. No idea where the bins would go.
That’s exactly the challenge this client faced. Referred by a town planner, they had a great lease and a clear brand vision. But they needed expert help to manage the shop fitout process without burning through cash or confidence.
Step 1: Designing for DA – Hospitality Fitout Planning Starts Here
We sourced a designer (hello NV Design Agency!) who could draw plans suitable for the DA and carry those same plans right through to construction. This meant we avoided the costly mistake of starting from scratch later.
At this stage, we also brought in a building certifier to advise on details like toilet numbers (essential for a liquor licence). And yes, we even had to show where the rubbish bins would go. DA documentation is no joke!
Step 2: Building a Budget for a Restaurant Fitout in Brisbane
The client’s first restaurant was a bit of a unicorn. They had walked into an already-fitted kitchen and avoided the more complex build elements.
This time, we created a “menu-style” budget with three clear tiers:
- Must-haves: grease trap, exhaust system
- Nice-to-haves: things that could wait, like upgraded bathrooms or bespoke kitchen stainless
- Could-delay items: add-ons to consider once the venue was open and earning
Everything was transparent and tracked — so there were no shock surprises down the line.
Step 3: Shopfitter + Designer Collaboration
With DA approval in hand, NV Design got stuck into the creative. Nancy presented several concepts, and the final pick was a fun, colourful design full of personality. It captured the essence of the brand’s second home.
The space featured bright murals, playful colours and strong visual moments — all achieved on a realistic budget.
Step 4: Adjusting the Build Without Losing the Vibe
Builder quotes came back higher than expected (thank you, post-COVID building boom). So we worked through a few smart swaps:
- Went direct to suppliers for stainless and kitchen exhaust
- Pulled back on some non-essential design elements
We kept the core of the concept intact, while bringing the cost back under control.
Step 5: Restaurant Launch – From Office to Icon
Aside from a few rainy delays (thanks, Queensland weather), the build ran smoothly. The restaurant opened in April 2022 and has been a standout success.
The team created a bold, personality-packed venue that feels nothing like its old life as an office space.
Takeaway
Even with a great lease, a tenancy that looks affordable on paper can turn into a budget blowout — especially when it’s missing key services like plumbing, air conditioning, or exhaust.
If you’re planning a hospitality or retail fitout, start smarter.
Before you sign anything, get the step-by-step guidance used by shop owners all across Australia.
👉 Download the Top Tips Toolkit — it’s your expert roadmap for negotiating leases, budgeting for your fitout, and avoiding costly surprises from day one.
One smart decision now can save you thousands later.