Something other than food—or a Pavlovian conditioning practical joke executed by the staff—is making restaurant owner’s salivate these days: LED lighting.

It’s a simple solution to address the challenge of extensive overhead costs.

With restaurants being one of the biggest user groups of electricity around the world (Energy Star states that the electricity used by US commercial food service sector is estimated at $10 billion), energy bills are a primary concern for any restaurant owner.

Most restaurant owners today have moved away from the energy sucking incandescent bulb toward the more efficient fluorescent or CFL bulb to address electricity costs. However, they quickly realized that the change in lighting technology didn’t actually provide a complete solution. In fact, it presented another problem: an unappealing atmosphere.

With restaurants especially, atmosphere is extremely important—it is part of the dining experience. Restaurants can have great food, but if the atmosphere is lacking, customer acquisition or retention becomes challenging.  A restaurant’s lighting plays an extremely large role in creating a specific atmosphere. Just imagine trying to have a relaxing dinner under the same harsh florescent tube lighting found in most office buildings, or under the constant flicker of CFL bulbs! It doesn’t provide an appropriate mood or feel for customers and, in the case of flicker, reflects badly on the professionalism of the establishment.

The solution is LEDs. LEDs are by far the most energy efficient lighting technology available and are long lasting, durable, flexible in multiple environments, and environmentally friendly. LED lighting drastically reduces restaurant owner’s electricity bills, and helps to create an appropriate atmosphere due to their great color rendering and clean, even light. LEDs are also highly customizable and include dimming capabilities. The one LED light quality issue that is often mentioned is glare. However, top quality LED lamp manufacturers have addressed this issue through intelligent lens design, so restaurant owners don’t have to worry about squinting patrons.

It’s no wonder restaurant owners are drooling.

Even McDonald’s is all LED these days. At Leapfrog Lighting, we really are “Lovin’ it”.