Tips on Restaurant Building?

[mswn]

Does anyone have any tips on designing restaurants that work well? I'm working on one right now for The Sims Community Project, and all the stupid customers keep walking through the kitchen and behind the counters, either before being seated at the counter or just to hang around someplace inconvenient. Is there a mod to make doors lockable on

Comments

[bacc_krow]

I've never kept sims out of the staff areas 100%, but I've never had a problem with them walking into the kitchen before walking to the podium to get seated. Sometimes they try to go in there to socialise with each other after their meal, but they're more likely to end up doing that in the bathroom... Can you share some floorplans? It might be related to the distance/size/placement of things. (brain very not good after work x_x)

[perisla]

I've only built one restaurant really, and never had much of a problem with it. But I guess if you've got sims hanging around those areas doing nothing, you could always try adding items that would draw their attention and keep them busy. Like arcade machines or dance floors, or whatever. Not sure that answers your problem, but it might help some!

[whisper_doll]

I don't know if this is helpful, but you might like to visit Katween's blog for ideas. Katween plays restaurants frequently, and she's just posted two lovely lots. I had asked for tips on visiting restaurants, but she might also be able to give advice about how to build them.

http://katween.livejournal.com/