Creating an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant restaurant requires a strategy. Otherwise, your company may face a lawsuit. You can avoid such matters by following guidelines to ensure your establishment is compliant. We’re going to talk about what is necessary to make a restaurant ADA compliant.

Restaurants meeting ADA compliance are ensuring all their customers, no matter if they’re disabled or not, are enjoying the same dining experience and service. A restaurant is ADA compliant when the establishment has:

• Designated parking spaces that include a level surface
• Restroom accessibility that provides for wheelchair maneuverability
• Door handles, levers, and doorways that are accessible
• All potential barriers removed, eliminated, or other accommodations set up
• Restaurant tables and chairs that are ADA compliant

What types of restaurants are required to be ADA compliant? What size?

According to the ADA Network, ”all titles of the ADA, including Title I (employment practices of private employers with 15 or more employees, state and local governments, employment agencies, labor unions, agents of the employer and joint management labor committees); Title II (programs and activities of state and local government entities); and Title III (private entities that are considered places of public accommodation).”

Title III specifically applies to restaurant ownership. Those who own a restaurant and are employing 15 or more employees must follow ADA guidelines per the statements above.

What heights do tables need to be? What amount of space is necessary for maneuvering through the restaurant?

There should be no problem for individuals with disabilities to maneuver efficiently throughout your restaurant. That means you should have aisles that are at measuring at least 36 inches (0.91 m) wide. The table and counter heights should be at least 28 to 34 inches (0.86 m) high, allowing for those who are in wheelchairs to have accommodations.

Restaurant tables that are ADA compliant will measure 27 inches (0.69 m) tall, 30 inches (0.76 m) wide, and 19 inches (ca. 48 cm) deep to allow plenty of knee room. Counters for food ordering should stand at least 36 inches (0.91 m) tall and have a separate area for serving those who have difficulty reaching. There are no ADA requirements for restaurant chairs.

What type of furniture is ADA compliant?

Guidelines the ADA provide states that at least five percent of restaurant tables or check-out counters must be accessible to those who are in wheelchairs. That means they must be at least 36 inches (0.91 m) high. Your restaurant can have a mix of restaurant tables and restaurant chairs that are ADA compliant. When necessary, you can move things around to accommodate your customer’s needs.

If you’re using a table with a heavy top, like granite restaurant tables, for example, consider a non-moveable base for extra safety. That way, there’s no chance it will topple over if it’s bumped accidentally. Laminate restaurant tables, however, move around quickly if you need to create wider aisles or push tables together for large parties.

Wrapping Up

Creating an ADA compliant restaurant begins with reading and understanding the guidelines. As a restaurant owner, you cannot overlook these facts. Not only will your customers appreciate the steps you’re taking to ensure they’re enjoying their experiences in your restaurant, but they’ll also see that you’re a responsible business owner.

Source: https://adata.org/learn-about-ada

Your business doesn’t have to be in a warm location to take advantage of its outdoor space. You can create a profitable outdoor patio area for your restaurant in areas that you’re not using. These spaces are excellent for relaxing, enjoying the weather, and listening to music while ordering food and beverages. Your guests will love having this additional option when visiting your establishment. Here are some guidelines to take into consideration when creating a restaurant patio that’s attractive and lucrative.

Design for inclement weather

It’s challenging to prepare a patio for inclement weather, but not impossible. Consider adding a metal roof above the area or installing an awning. You can also make sure every table has plenty of umbrella coverage to make sure there’s shade or cover during rain. If nights start getting cold, you may want to opt for portable heaters. On particularly hot nights, installing some commercial fans can help.

How to prevent bugs/pests

Because you’re designing an outdoor space, pests are an inevitable part of the equation. You’re going to encounter pests, including flying insects, gnats, birds, squirrels, and stray animals. Sugary sweets and spilled drinks will attract bugs in your outdoor space quickly. Therefore, your staff must be diligent regarding keeping things spotless. All fruit garnishes for drinks must have covered storage.

Make sure you’re sweeping away all spilled food or dropped crumbs immediately. This step will prevent birds from pecking or stray animals from invading. If your staff is quick to clear away uneaten food and empty trash bins as they fill, you’ll also find your pest control will be at a minimum.

Buy the right furniture for outdoors

Select decor that matches the rest of the ambiance and theme throughout the rest of your restaurant. You won’t, however, be able to use the same restaurant tables or restaurant chairs as you are inside. You’ll need to choose restaurant patio furniture that includes outdoor restaurant tables and outdoor restaurant chairs that matches your current theme. That way, this outdoor restaurant furniture flows seamlessly with the rest of your decor.

Make sure patio compliant with local rules

Your patio area must follow all local rules, laws, regulations, and other guidelines. So, before beginning your design, make sure you’re taking all these details into consideration. Be sure to obtain all the necessary building permits and other documentation you’ll need from your local governing authority. Here are some fundamental regulatory factors you may have to take into consideration before opening your patio:

• Will your guests want to bring their dogs and, if so, do you need a permit?
• Do you need a permit to serve alcohol on the patio and if your guests want to bring their own, what are the regulations?
• Does your area have noise ordinances and if so, what are they?
• What do you need to obtain for plumbing and electrical permits to finish your outdoor patio?

Wrapping it Up

Adding an outdoor patio area to your restaurant is an excellent way to extend seating for your restaurant and bring new life to your outdoor spaces. Your guests will love the opportunity to appreciate the weather and have new ways to enjoy their dining experiences.