From Patio to Profit: Successfully Navigating Outdoor Dining for Your Restaurant

Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Opening up an outdoor dining space for your restaurant, bar, or café could be the game-changing decision that propels your establishment into the local limelight. With summer in full swing, many patrons are looking to dine al fresco, soaking up the sunshine while they enjoy their meals. But moving your operations outdoors requires careful planning and consideration if it is to be done properly, and you’ll do well to avoid making some fundamental errors.

Firstly, you need to consider the legality and practicality of using outdoor space. Does the space you’re eyeing come with the property? Or will you need to negotiate with local planning authorities? Using space that doesn’t rightfully belong to you could land you in hot water. Before you start setting tables outside, ensure you’ve done the legwork to determine the extent of your property, and that you’ve acquired any necessary outdoor dining permits.

Assuming you have the legal right to extend your operations outdoors, the next step is to evaluate the space itself. Outdoor dining isn’t just about replicating your indoor environment outside – you need to consider factors like foot traffic, spacing between tables, and the overall atmosphere. The last thing you want is for your customers to feel cramped, or worse, for your outdoor dining space to border unpleasant sights like dumpsters.

Once you’ve evaluated your space, you’ll need to furnish it appropriately. Traditional indoor furniture isn’t built to withstand the elements, be it the blistering sun or an unexpected downpour. Suppliers like National Outdoor Furniture specialize in durable, attractive furniture designed specifically for outdoor use. Sturdy tables, chairs, and umbrellas will ensure your diners are comfortable and protected, whatever the weather. And they’ll last longer, too, meaning you can use them year-in, year-out.

Dealing with pests is another crucial consideration for outdoor dining. Depending on your location, you could be dealing with seagulls, squirrels, and even the occasional raccoon. A little local wildlife isn’t always a bad thing, as diners will pause to look at cute creatures gamboling around, but they need to be only occasional color, not competitors for your custom. It’s key to maintain cleanliness of the ground around the tables to deter wildlife from scavenging, and you’ll also want to take measures against smaller pests like flies, wasps, and mosquitoes.

Lastly, don’t overlook the potential legalities around serving alcohol outdoors. Every municipality has different laws, and what’s permissible inside might not be allowed outside. Whether it’s acquiring a different type of license or designating your outdoor dining space as alcohol-free, be sure to adhere to the rules to avoid any legal complications. Again, this is a case where you need to be proactive. Ask the authorities what is needed to ensure you are running a legal business and conform to it; ignorance of the law is not a defense.
In conclusion, venturing into outdoor dining is an exciting way to add a new dimension to your restaurant, bar, or café. By understanding and navigating the challenges, you can create an inviting outdoor space that sets your establishment apart and draws in a crowd eager for sun-soaked dining.