Why Your Cafe is Too Loud (And How It’s Costing You Money)

The Hidden Cost of Noise in Your Café or Restaurant

You might not realise it, but the noise levels in your café or restaurant could be driving customers away - costing you money without you even knowing it.

Customers don’t always complain about noise. They simply don’t come back. If your venue is too loud, they’ll choose a competitor where they can comfortably chat with friends, hold a business meeting, or simply enjoy their meal without shouting over the background chaos.

The problem? Many café and restaurant owners assume noise is just part of the atmosphere. But too much noise = lost revenue.

How Noise is Hurting Your Bottom Line

Excessive noise affects your business in multiple ways:

Customers leave faster. Studies show that uncomfortable noise levels make people eat and drink quicker, meaning they don’t order that extra coffee, dessert, or round of drinks.
Fewer repeat customers. If guests struggle to hold a conversation, they’ll remember the experience as stressful - not enjoyable. Next time, they’ll choose somewhere else.
Negative online reviews. While customers rarely complain directly about noise, they might leave comments like “too hectic,” “couldn’t relax,” or “hard to chat with friends.” These reviews deter new customers.
High staff turnover. Loud, echoey environments make it harder for employees to take orders, communicate with the kitchen, and provide good service. Stressed-out staff leave, increasing your hiring and training costs.

Why Are Some Cafés and Restaurants So Loud?

Many venues struggle with noise for a few key reasons:

1. Hard Surfaces Create Echoes

Most modern cafés and restaurants have hard floors, glass windows, high ceilings, and minimal décor - all of which reflect sound, making noise bounce around the space instead of being absorbed.

2. Kitchen & Coffee Machine Noise Travels

The grinding coffee beans, steaming milk, clattering dishes, and loud kitchen sounds don’t just stay behind the counter-they spread through the entire space, making conversations even harder.

3. Crowds Make It Worse

More people means more noise. When customers struggle to hear, they talk louder to compensate, creating a snowball effect known as the Lombard Effect-where everyone ends up shouting just to be heard.

Poco Tapas & Wine in Rotorua with dbsorb's dbFin acoustic ceiling baffles.

Are Acoustic Panels Worth It? (Short Answer: Yes, and Here’s Why)

Some business owners assume soundproofing is expensive or unnecessary. But acoustic panels are a cost-effective investment with measurable ROI.

✔ Longer customer visits = higher spend per table
✔ Better atmosphere = more repeat customers
✔ Happier staff = lower turnover & training costs
✔ Fewer noise complaints & better online reviews

How Do Acoustic Panels Work?

Acoustic panels absorb excess sound, reducing echo and controlling background noise without eliminating the lively café atmosphere.

Wall-mounted panels reduce echoes without taking up floor space.
Ceiling baffles absorb sound from above, perfect for venues with high ceilings.
Decorative panels blend into your café’s aesthetic, keeping it stylish while controlling noise.

Real-World Proof: The ROI of Noise Reduction

Research shows that controlling noise levels in hospitality venues can significantly boost business performance. According to The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, restaurants with lower noise levels experienced longer customer dwell times and increased spending per table. Additionally, a study by Sound Hospitality Research found that reducing background noise by 10-15 dB led to a 15-25% increase in customer retention.

By simply installing sound-absorbing panels, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction, improve staff productivity, and ultimately increase revenue.