The ability to provide outdoor dining to your restaurant customers is a real benefit. From sidewalks to backyards, from rooftops to front porches, restaurants offer outdoor seating in a variety of setups. Outdoor seating gives your customers an option to dine in the open and enjoy nature. Additionally, it creates an additional source of revenue for your restaurant and can help you stand apart from the competition.
Table of Contents
- What are the benefits of outdoor seating?
- Your staff may enjoy outdoor seating
- Outdoor dining is very popular now
- Increasing Capacity
- Sunny Delight
- Helps slow down and relax
- Breathing Fresh Air
- Less Crowded
- Profitability
- Easily Recognizable
- Where to plan outdoor seating?
- How to Design Outdoor Seating in a Restaurant?
- What is the Best Material for Outdoor Seating?
- How to Maintain Outdoor Furniture
- Outdoor Seating FAQs
What are the benefits of outdoor seating?
As a restaurant owner, outdoor seating offers you plenty of benefits. It provides additional seating capacity and can be a valuable addition to your restaurant. Some of the key benefits of outdoor seating include:
1. Your staff may enjoy outdoor seating
Although your clientele and customer base dictate most of your business decisions, outdoor seating in your restaurant can be a win-win situation for your staff as well. Spending quality time outdoors with friends or family can boost social, mental, and emotional health. Apart from your guests, your staff can enjoy a break amidst nature in between their shifts.
2. Outdoor dining is very popular now
With Covid-19 protocols in place in many areas, diners, as well as authorities, are prioritizing outdoor dining. Many owners have installed heaters and temporary plastic walls, etc. to extend their outdoor dining season. If you can use even a small area of sidewalk or parking space to create outdoor dining, it will be advantageous to your restaurant and investment.
3. Increasing Capacity
As social distancing and physical separation become the new norm, every restaurant is looking for ways to increase its capacity. Outdoor seating is a great way to enhance your restaurant capacity without flouting guidelines. Also, by being amidst nature, it is a perfect way to maintain the trust of your customers.
4. Sunny Delight
The best part about dining out is the Vitamin D you get from the Sun. Vitamin D not only makes bones strong and boosts calcium levels in the body but checks osteoporosis in older people too. According to a study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal in 2018, Vitamin D regulates more than 1,000 different genes involved in the functioning of immune and neuromuscular systems. Even the Vitamin D Council recommends at least 15 minutes of sunlight exposure daily.
5. Helps slow down and relax
In today's fast-paced lifestyles, we often become so engrossed with jumping from one activity to the other that we seldom get time to unwind. Outdoor dining makes you forget the hectic, stressful life and encourages you to live in the present and enjoy the moment. Ever wondered why the same food tastes better outdoors? It's not the food; it's the outdoor ambiance and your relaxed state of mind that elevates your dining experience.
6. Breathing Fresh Air
An average professional working in the United States spends as much as 90% of his time indoors. Outdoor dining allows you to spend time amidst nature. Breathing fresh air increases your lung capacity and rejuvenates your mind and body. Such a laid-back dining experience reduces your mental stress, which in turn helps you sleep better.
7. Less Crowded
In addition to creating a pleasant dining experience, outdoor seating also balances the traffic in your restaurant. Interestingly, for a given dining area size and capacity, outdoor seating appears less crowded than indoors. Natural elements in an outdoor setting make the area look airy and large. In a nutshell, thanks to outdoor seating, your restaurant looks vibrant, less crowded, and versatile.
8. Profitability
Ask any guest in your restaurant if they prefer to dine al fresco over indoor. Most likely, they will choose the former. If you cannot invest a lot initially, consider temporary patio space and budget friendly restaurant furniture to get started. Moreover, if it is possible to offer outdoor seating throughout the year, you might be able to recoup your initial investment quickly.
9. Easily Recognizable
While the above points highlight the health of your guests and your restaurant's capacity and profits, outdoor seating can boost your brand image too. It sets your restaurant apart from your local competitors. Moreover, it gives your guests a new perspective. Since local customers drive most of the restaurant business, an outdoor dining space allows them to see a different view of their surroundings. From adjacent buildings to distant landscapes, outdoor seating connects them with the locality they often miss and take for granted.
Where to plan outdoor seating?
- Front porch or balcony: Usually located near or at the entrance of a restaurant, front porch patios are a common sight at many buildings. In many restaurants, guests walk through the front porch to get inside. The front porch usually consists of two to three tables to entice anyone visiting the restaurant to sit outside.
- Back yard or patio: Often found in the side yard or behind the restaurant, backyard patios are trendy. Guests pass through your restaurant to access the backyard. Unlike front porch patios that are exposed to the onlookers, backyards create a private, intimate setup.
- Rooftop: In city centers with limited space, rooftops are the only place available for outside seating. Outdoor ambiance with a view overlooking the city skyline makes rooftops one of the most sought-after places to enjoy meals.
- Sidewalk: Just like front porches, sidewalks offer a visual marketing medium to attract new customers. Sidewalks or bistros are closer in proximity to the passers-by. Sidewalks are extremely popular for cafes located in the busy shopping streets of the city.
- City Street: City officials in quite a few locales have gotten inventive and closed some streets to give restaurants more outdoor dining space. If your locale has offered this, and your weather permits, take advantage of the opportunity simply by purchasing some economical commercial patio furniture and some umbrellas or heaters, depending on the heater.
How to Design Outdoor Seating in a Restaurant?
Designing a profitable yet attractive, practical yet simulating outdoor seating requires you to go beyond just placing tables and chairs. Here are some outdoor seating design ideas and tips for creating an inviting and appealing atmosphere in your restaurant:
Check Restaurant Laws:
Local guidelines and regulations vary throughout the United States and sometimes, even within the city itself. Also, the Covid-19 pandemic mandates you to maintain social distancing. It pays to get in touch with the local authorities to apply and obtain relevant permits before you start. In particular, understand the following:
- Noise levels allowed (whether played through speakers or live music)
- Smoking and drinking guidelines
- Permits required for electrical, construction, or plumbing
- Seating capacity allowed
- Sanitization, physical separation, and hygiene guidelines for Covid-19
Have an Evacuation Plan:
Hopefully, you won't get a chance to use this but keep your evacuation plan ready and in place. In natural disasters like fires, earthquakes, an evacuation plan helps to keep your guests and staff safe. If yours is a front porch patio, an evacuation plan is less demanding and straightforward. However, for backyards, balconies, or rooftops, you have to take sufficient measures to reduce the chances of people getting trapped, if required.
Select a Spectacular View:
If you are expanding your existing restaurant, you have limited choices for location. However, you can still make the most of the available resources and surroundings. Analyze your outdoor space to find an area that is visually appealing and offers a spectacular view. Perhaps you get a breathtaking view of a serene lake nearby or overlook the city's skyline from a certain angle and position? Similarly, some parts of your patio might appear to be off-putting or undesirable. For example, your customers will hardly enjoy dining with a view of an ever-going construction site in the neighborhood.
Separate from Crowds:
Since outdoor seating is famous for its laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, ensure that you don't get it too crowded. As a restaurant owner, you would want to maximize the seating capacity to rake in more profits. However, such an overcrowded patio will negatively affect everyone - your guests, staff, and ultimately your business. Rather than matching the table density of indoors, create an uncluttered, airy, and appealing atmosphere for outdoor dining.
Use Different Table Sizes:
Ditch the regular same-sized tables and go for an attractive table set up by using tables of different sizes. A mix and match of tables with similar materials but different sizes creates a vibrant and trendy ambiance. Moreover, it helps you utilize the available space efficiently and serve groups of a varying number of guests. Consult a commercial furniture manufacturer for interesting design ideas.
Beautify Your Outdoor Space:
Lighting forms the most basic element to beautify your outdoor space and attract customers. The type of decor and your investment depends on your restaurant's type and clientele.
- Cafes usually have a light ambiance, so keep your decorations subtle. Go for dim lighting or lanterns, and go green with plants or flower pots.
- For casual diners, it's sensible to extend your indoor theme outdoors by using the same decoration, designs, and patterns.
- If yours is a fine-dining restaurant, then sky is the limit for beautifying your patio. From fountains to lighting to fire pits, you have plenty to choose from, depending on your budget.
Regulate Temperature:
In outdoor seating, your guests will be exposed to weather conditions. During summers, they could sweat profusely, while the winters can be as harsh too. Most of the restaurants have to close their outdoor space during extreme weather. However, you can install some appliances to offer comfortable outdoor seating to keep your business running during harsh weather too. For example, you can install mist fans to keep your guests cool and comfortable during summers. Similarly, invest in commercial patio heaters to offer them a relaxed dining experience during cold nights.
Use Umbrellas or Shades:
Whether it is a hot sunny day or a drizzling night, covering the outdoor tables is a practical solution for a comfortable dining experience. If yours is a small patio with few tables, you can consider umbrellas as they are inexpensive and practical. However, for large outdoor areas, umbrellas might not be ideal solutions, and you must consider investing in shades. Moreover, covering your patio with umbrellas or shades also protects your outdoor furniture, cushions, etc., and extends their life.
Provide Outdoor Cooking Areas:
There is something about the aroma of food being prepared on a patio grill. Isn't it? As a restaurant owner, outdoor cooking areas offer the following benefits:
- Since your customers can see how your staff prepares food, it encourages food transparency which builds trust.
- The sight of seeing food cooking encourages your guests to try out new dishes and order more.
- Your servers do not have to rush back and forth to the kitchen to serve the customer. An outdoor cooking area reduces the chances of them dropping the food or dishes getting cold in transit.
Install an Outdoor Bar:
If you have an alcohol license, getting a bar on your patio can be highly profitable. As many friends and colleagues meet out for drinks, an indoor bar restricts them from enjoying the outdoor seating. Installing an outdoor expands your business to a whole lot of new customer bases.
Have some music:
Playing music in your restaurant helps in creating a relaxed dining experience for your guests. Music adds a new facet to the outdoor atmosphere. When it comes to music, from live music to karaoke, from DJ sets to dance floors, you can choose from plenty of options. Playing music outdoors not only alleviates the dining experience but also makes your restaurant attract more events. However, ensure that you follow the noise guidelines from the local authorities.
Make it pet friendly:
An increasing trend of restaurant-goers is to bring their pets while they are dining out. However, due to health concerns and legal restrictions, indoor restaurants seldom entertain them. With outdoor seating that allows furry friends, you can attract several new customers. However, make sure that you are aware of the local guidelines and obtain all permits in advance.
Install a bicycle rack:
As people become increasingly conscious about the climate, riding bicycles is becoming popular, especially within the city. Also, for students, bicycles are the primary means of their daily commute. Installing a bicycle rack is a simple, cheap, yet practical way of attracting new customers. By installing a rack or stand near your outdoor seating area, your guests can enjoy their meals while keeping their eyes on their bicycles without worrying about theft.
What is the Best Material for Outdoor Seating?
Outdoor furniture is available in several materials. So, which is the best material for outdoor seating? Well, it depends on your priorities and the atmosphere you wish to create. Also, it depends on your budget, type of indoor furniture, space, prevalent weather conditions, etc. Most outdoor restaurant tables and chairs are available from any of the following three materials:
- Wood:
The natural warming appearance and the rustic, old-world charm make wood a popular material. Make sure you speak to a reputable vendor and purchase an outdoor appropriate wood such as teak that are suitable for commercial outdoor furniture, and that they are durable, long-lasting, and complement the aesthetic.
- Metal:
Metal is a durable and sturdy material, perfect for outdoor seating. Metals, due to their stain resistance and high tensile strength, require minimum maintenance and last long. Welded joints of outdoor metal furniture are incredibly strong, and painted surfaces offer sufficient protection against scratches or chipping.
- Plastic:
Plastic is a lightweight, versatile, and affordable material that offers sufficient resistance to water absorption. Trendy plastic outdoor tables and chairs are available in various designs, patterns, and unlimited colors. On top of that, plastic furniture is easy to clean and maintain.
How to Maintain Outdoor Furniture?
Outdoor furniture remains exposed to the environment and requires more care than indoor restaurant tables and chairs. You might expect dirt to be the least of your concern. However, accumulated dirt can hamper the structural strength and lifespan of your outdoor furniture significantly. Basic steps for cleaning any outdoor furniture are:
- Use a dry cloth to remove dirt.
- If you notice any accumulated dirt or stains, wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- Use material-specific cleaning products for deep cleaning.
- Allow the furniture to dry completely before using or covering them.
Irrespective of the furniture material, investing in waterproof covers protect your outdoor furniture from dust and weather elements like the sun, moisture, etc. While covers act as the first line of defense, different furniture materials like wood, metals, plastics, cushions, etc., require different cleaning strategies. Here are some material-specific maintenance tips to keep outdoor furniture in pristine condition:
- Metal: In outdoor metal furniture, water or moisture absorption can cause rusting or corrosion, which is your biggest concern. If you notice any rust, rub sandpaper on the area, and apply a mixture of vinegar and water with a metal cleaning paste to remove it. Subsequently, use a soft pad to dust off any dirt or marks and apply touch-up paint.
- Plastic: Plastic is probably the most low-maintenance material for outdoor furniture. After dusting the surface, use a mild cleaner that is free from abrasives or chlorine. Finish with applying a layer of car wax for a shiny appearance.
- Fabric and Cushions: For natural fabrics cushion covers, wipe the dust off first and wash them as per instructions on the tags. For waterproof, synthetic covers, use a damp cloth to wipe the dirt and clean them with a mild soap solution.
Outdoor Seating FAQs
Is outdoor seating safe?
Yes, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, outdoor seating is safer and preferable to indoor dining.
How do you protect outdoor furniture from rust?
Apply a coat of anti-rusting, commercial spray like WD-40 on the metal surface.
Can cafes have outdoor seating?
Yes, cafes most commonly use outdoor seating on sidewalks.
Can restaurants have outdoor seating?
Yes, many restaurants offer outdoor dining experiences on rooftops, backyards, or front porches.
When can you dine outdoors?
Except for harsh winter months or overly hot days, you can dine outdoors most of the year or anytime the weather is agreeable.
