Kongfu Dumpling

Located inside the bustling Kawana Shoppingworld on the Sunshine Coast, Kongfu Dumpling is more than just a food court favourite—it’s a vibrant, modern expression of traditional Chinese cuisine, culture, and craft. The Sunshine Coast South team at Total Fitouts partnered with the passionate owners to deliver a full commercial hospitality fitout that reflects the soul of the brand while elevating its presence within one of the region’s busiest shopping centres. From dumpling prep to branding details, every inch of the space was thoughtfully considered to create a memorable experience for shoppers and food lovers alike.

Set along the main thoroughfare as you enter the food court, Kongfu Dumpling immediately stands out. Bold branding elements meet a sleek, streamlined layout, drawing customers in with warmth, movement, and a sense of anticipation. The team was tasked with designing not only a beautiful and functional space, but one that would anchor the brand firmly in the hearts of locals and tourists alike—and they did just that, blending modern architectural lines with rich cultural storytelling.

Designing a Space That Feels Like Home

From the outset, the commercial design brief was centred around bringing Kongfu Dumpling’s heritage into a contemporary food court setting. The team leaned into the brand’s identity, using colour, texture, and spatial flow to tell the story of handcrafted food and modern-day pride. Central to this was the clever use of colour psychology. Deep black was used to ground the space—representing sophistication, strength, and depth. It forms the base of the palette, offering a refined backdrop that highlights the vibrancy of the food and decor.

In contrast, a vivid, energising red was used to uplift the space, introduce cultural references, and create a striking sense of movement. This red is most visibly expressed in the bright red lanterns suspended from the ceiling, each one glowing with warmth and tradition. These lanterns do more than light the space—they transport customers, creating a visual language that’s deeply rooted in Chinese heritage while still feeling fresh and contemporary.

One of the standout features of the commercial design is the lantern-shaped tiling detail used along the rear wall of the commercial hospitality fitout. These tiles are both subtle and symbolic, providing a delicate pattern that references traditional motifs without overwhelming the space. Their placement behind the counter adds texture and visual depth, catching the light beautifully and complementing the clean-lined finishes elsewhere in the commercial design.

Curves, Flow, and Clever Use of Space

Designing within a food court environment always presents unique challenges—and this project was no exception. The tenancy itself was oddly shaped, with unconventional angles and a narrow frontage that required creative thinking. To soften the space and balance the otherwise rigid geometry of the plaza, the design team introduced a number of gentle curves throughout the layout. From the shape of the front counter to the fluid overhead bulkhead, curves were used not only for visual interest but to create a natural sense of movement and harmony.

These rounded elements offer a beautiful counterpoint to the clean, straight lines of the shopping centre’s shared architecture. The contrast enhances the commercial hospitality fitout’s individuality and helps it feel more organic and approachable. The result is a space that flows, both in how it looks and how it operates—from customer queueing to staff workflow behind the scenes.

Bringing the Brand to Life

One of the most visually impactful features of the commercial hospitality fitout is the illuminated shopfront signage, which uses individually backlit letters to enhance visibility and add dimension. Positioned on the main foot traffic side of the food court entry, this branding element is more than just a name—it’s a landmark. The glowing characters seem to float, drawing attention while reinforcing brand recognition and offering a clear call to action: “Stop here for something special.”

Total Fitouts also incorporated a display window into the kitchen, offering customers a direct view into the artistry of dumpling-making. It’s a design move that adds authenticity and spectacle to the space. Watching chefs prepare fresh dumplings by hand becomes part of the customer experience, connecting people to the food and the cultural story behind it. It’s these small but meaningful touches that turn a meal into a memory.

Materials, Texture and Functionality

While the look and feel of the space is undeniably polished, the materials were chosen with durability and functionality front of mind. The counter joinery was custom designed to support fast-paced service and easy cleaning, with seamless finishes that don’t just look good—they hold up under pressure. Stone-look benchtops, textured tile splashbacks, and durable cabinetry were all chosen to withstand high-volume traffic, heat, and moisture.

Lighting was also thoughtfully considered throughout the commercial hospitality fitout. In addition to the decorative lanterns, LED task lighting was installed to ensure prep areas were well-lit and welcoming, while also enhancing the presentation of food and drink displays. The warm glow throughout the space enhances texture, creates inviting shadows, and makes the environment feel cosy—even in the wide-open expanse of a shopping centre.

A Commercial Fitout That Delivers More Than Just Dumplings

Kongfu Dumpling is more than a food retailer—it’s a cultural experience, a taste of tradition wrapped in modern design. For the Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast South team, this project was a chance to showcase how commercial hospitality fitouts can be practical, beautiful, and meaningful all at once. Despite the fast-tracked nature of the build, no detail was overlooked. The team coordinated closely with Kawana Shoppingworld centre management to ensure smooth deliveries, efficient site access, and strict adherence to the centre’s operational guidelines.

From concept to completion, the project was handled with care, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The result? A food court destination that turns heads, sparks curiosity, and delivers on flavour and form.

Ready to Bring Your Hospitality Vision to Life?

If you’re planning to launch or refurbish a food business, the team at Total Fitouts Sunshine Coast South are your go-to experts for commercial hospitality fitouts. With in-house design services, full project management, and deep experience in food court and shopping centre environments, they’ll work with you to craft a space that reflects your brand and connects with your customers.

Inquire with Total Fitouts to bring your next hospitality concept to life!