The right choice of music and food go hand in hand - but very few restaurateurs consciously utilise this powerful tool. Yet the right background music can not only influence the mood of your guests, but also control their eating behaviour and willingness to serve.
How music influences eating behaviour
Scientific studies clearly prove this: Choice of music and food are directly related. Researchers at the University of South Florida found that relaxed background music encourages guests to choose healthier dishes - such as salads or light meals. Loud, aggressive music, on the other hand, encourages an appetite for fast food and high-calorie dishes.
These findings open up completely new possibilities for restaurant operators to guide their guests. Through the targeted use of different music styles, you can subtly guide the ordering behaviour of your guests and create the desired atmosphere at the same time.
The science behind music psychology
Tempo and volume as control instruments
The tempo of the background music has a direct influence on how long your guests stay. Fast, rhythmic music accelerates eating behaviour and shortens the length of stay - ideal for restaurants with high throughput during peak times. Slower melodies, on the other hand, extend the length of stay and can increase sales per guest through additional orders.
The volume plays an equally important role: with moderate sound (55-65 dB), guests feel comfortable and communicative. Music that is too loud (over 75 dB) can cause stress and impair the perception of flavour.
Cross-modal effects between hearing and tasting
The cross-modal connections between auditory and gustatory sensations are particularly fascinating. Low tones enhance the perception of bitter flavours, while higher frequencies emphasise sweet notes. Chefs and restaurant operators can use these findings to emphasise certain flavours in their dishes.
Practical implementation in restaurant operations
Time of day-dependent music programming
Professional music systems make it possible to play different music programmes automatically at different times of the day:
Breakfast (7:00-11:00 am): Gentle acoustic sounds and relaxed instrumental music promote a calm start to the day and help you concentrate on light meals.
Lunchtime (11:00-15:00): Somewhat more dynamic, yet unobtrusive music speeds up the service and suits the busy lunchtime service.
Evening hours (18:00-23:00): Warm, inviting sounds create a cosy atmosphere for longer stays and multi-course menus.
Zoning through music
Modern music systems such as sonicPRO offer multi-zone functionality. So you can different areas of your restaurant with different music:
- Entrance area: Inviting, moderate music
- Main restaurant: Atmospheric background music
- Bar area: slightly livelier sounds
- Terrace: Relaxed lounge music
Legally compliant music use in the catering trade
When implementing a well thought-out music strategy, legal aspects must not be ignored. Many restaurateurs underestimate the complexity of music licences and risk expensive additional claims.
GEMA-free alternatives for restaurants
GEMA-free music offers restaurants a cost-effective and legally compliant alternative. This music comes from international artists whose Rights not held by GEMA be recognised. The advantage: significantly lower licence costs with consistently high quality.
Important to understand: GEMA-free does not mean free of charge. The rights of use must still be purchased, but at considerably more favourable conditions. Companies can save up to 100 per cent of GEMA costs with GEMA-free alternatives.
Professional music systems vs. consumer streaming
Spotify, Apple Music and similar services are licensed for private use only. The Commercial use in restaurants is illegal and can lead to considerable additional claims. Professional music systems such as those from sonicsense, on the other hand, guarantee complete legal certainty for commercial use.
Technical realisation and automation
Intelligent music control
Modern music systems offer much more than simple playback. With functions such as volume and time of day-dependent control, restaurants can fully automate their music strategy. The system automatically adapts to visitor flows using predefined schedules, without employees having to intervene.
Central remote control
About sonicRemote restaurant operators can access their music system from anywhere in the world. Changes to volume, music selection or schedules are possible in real time - Ideal for chain stores or for spontaneous adjustments.
Successful practical examples
Fine dining restaurant
An upscale restaurant uses classical instrumental music during peak hours. The calm, elegant sounds vextend the length of stay of guests by an average of 20 minutes and increase turnover per table through additional drink and dessert orders.
Casual dining chain
A restaurant chain relies on GEMA-free music and saves five-figure sums every year. At the same time, it uses different music styles depending on the time of day to optimise guest turnover.
Would you like to utilise the potential of music psychology for your restaurant? Get non-binding advice now!
Frequently asked questions
How much does music really influence eating behaviour?
Studies show measurable effects: Relaxed music encourages healthy food choices, while loud music encourages fast food choices. The effects are statistically significant and commercially relevant.
Is GEMA-free music of the same quality?
Yes, GEMA-free music comes from professional, international artists and is GEMA-liable music in no way. The difference lies only in the rights management or the degree of popularity, not in the quality.
Can we play different rooms with different music?
Modern music systems offer multi-zone functionality. You can provide individual sound for each room in your restaurant and control it centrally.
What happens in the event of an internet outage?
Professional systems have internal memory and also work without an internet connection. Your music continues to play even if the connection is interrupted.
How high are the savings with GEMA-free music?
Depending on the size of the company and GEMA fees restaurants can save up to 100 per cent of their GEMA costs. The exact savings depend on individual factors.
Conclusion
The conscious use of music choice and food as a strategic tool opens up new dimensions of guest management for restaurants. Through scientifically based music psychology, you can not only improve the atmosphere, but also increase sales and reduce costs. GEMA-free alternatives offer legally compliant and cost-effective solutions that combine professional quality with economic benefits. The investment in a well thought-out music concept quickly pays off through more satisfied guests and optimised operating processes. Now Request personalised advice and discover the potential of music psychology for your restaurant.
