Patios are a great way to increase the profitability of your restaurant or cafe. However, most people don’t realize that their business can be even more profitable if they maximize the space and attract new customers.
For your patios to be successful, you need a few key things: good food, comfortable seating, shade from sun or rain, a relaxing ambiance, and easy access with parking close. Patio furniture is also essential because it impacts curb appeal and customer satisfaction levels. And you’ll also need a few other elements to complete your overall look. This article will show you how to do just that by making your patio space as effective as possible.
Good Food
Even with all the space in the world, your restaurant won’t be successful if the food isn’t good and the coffee isn’t strong. Make sure your restaurant can deliver a quality product with a good menu, and make sure you design the dishes for al fresco dining.
For example, if you serve plate-style meals, keep them on smaller plates, so they don’t take up as much space or use forks that bend up instead of down to save room.
Comfortable Seating
Building a patio takes skill, experience, and a keen eye for details. Besides ensuring that the structure is well-built, take care to choose outdoor furniture that is comfortable and durable.
If you want to take it further, consider buying furniture made from recycled materials or bio-plastics. There are also many styles to choose from, such as recliners, benches with plush cushions, and tables with adjustable height features.
Patios are perfect places for relaxing and lounging, so your seating needs to be comfortable and inviting. Keep in mind to keep the floor clean and dry, so you keep your customers from sitting on wet chairs or benches.
Shade
Depending on where your restaurant is, shade might not be an issue during the summer months. However, even in hot climates, your patio might become too sunny. This is why it’s crucial to take shade into account before building your patio and choosing furniture.
When it comes to shade, you should choose awnings that cover the entire structure instead of just the tables and chairs. If you have power outlets on your patio, consider using built-in fans or misters to provide cooling effects.
At the same time, your patio must also be rain or waterproof. Otherwise, you run the risk of a customer slipping and getting hurt.
If possible, avoid building a patio in the full shade because this will make it seem dark and gloomy. Instead, incorporate some sunny areas where customers can enjoy their coffee or meals without feeling bored from too much shade.
Ambiance
An outdoor experience is perfect for boosting your restaurant’s atmosphere. Some things you can do to create a relaxing vibe include using potted plants on the patio, hanging string lights, putting up umbrellas, and adding mister fans.
If your cafe or restaurant is open at night, know that the patio will be one of the preferred spots for customers to hang out, so be sure to turn on the string lights. For an even more relaxed ambiance, switch your music playlist to something more relaxing or play acoustic music.
Easy, Accessible Parking
Patios are great places for customers to spend time, but there’s no reason customers won’t want to leave or come back another day if the restaurant is difficult to access. Make sure your patio isn’t a hassle to approach by providing a large enough lot and having a well-lit path for customers to follow.
When it comes to making your restaurant’s patio space profitable, you have to consider several factors. Once you have all of this information, you can put it together in a way that makes the most of the space and attracts new customers.
Keep It Protected from Pests
Insects and pests flying around can put a damper on your patio experience, but you don’t have to worry about this when you build or remodel your outdoor dining area. Before opening for business, make sure there are no cracks in the foundation or walls so pests can’t find their way inside.
Depending on where your restaurant’s location is, ants and cockroaches are an inevitability. But you can keep them off your patio by laying down repellant mats or insecticide-treated mulch. Always conduct regular pest inspections to ensure that insects don’t have the chance to breed.
There are many ways for restaurateurs to maximize their restaurant’s outdoor space. With a few easy changes, you’ll be able to attract more customers and boost your restaurant’s bottom line.
