Patio seating is a wonderful option during the summer and early fall, as the sunshine and warm temperatures draw many people toward the outdoors. Later fall presents many challenges for restaurants though. As the weather grows chilly, establishments that remain cautious of illness may wonder how they’ll stay afloat when they can’t offer indoor seating but it’s too cold to stay outside.
However long your customers are limited to outdoor seating, you don’t have to lose any of them if you have the right atmosphere for it. If you make a few changes to your system, you can keep your business running smoothly. Use these ideas to get your restaurant ready for fall, especially your outdoor seating area.
Update Your Furniture
If you haven’t already made this change, now is a good time to consider it. The simple metal chairs and tables, complete with shade umbrellas, may have served you well over the summer. When the air gets crisp, though, most people will find metal furniture cold and uncomfortable to sit on, and they’ll opt for takeout to eat in the warmth of their car or home.
To avoid your guests running for cover, add simple cushions or upgrade to chairs made of materials that deflect the cold better. Wood or wicker, treated with waterproof coatings to avoid autumn rain damage, will be more comfortable for your customers, which will entice them to stay and enjoy their food — and your atmosphere — longer.
Wall It In
If your restaurant offers patio seating, an open roof may be ideal during the summer, but it’s impractical for fall and winter conditions.
If your patio already has a roof, your task is easier and less pricey. As winter approaches, and if social distancing rules allow, adding side curtains will definitely help enclose the area and reduce the effect of the weather. If you have screens during the summer, consider glass for the colder months to trap the warmth better.
Keep It Warm
One of the most obvious problems with outdoor seating is the temperature. As the air gets chilly and the wind takes leaves off the trees, you may find it difficult to keep customers on your patio during their meal. Since your guest’s comfort is key to their dining experience, you want to keep them as relaxed as possible, not hurrying to finish so they can get out of the cold.
The simple solution? Install a gas fired, infrared, radiant patio heater that will keep the customers at a suitable temperature. Make sure you get a high-quality one that will keep your space warm and allow you to control the temperature of the patio. There is only one manufacture currently offering this option for permanently installed outdoor patio heaters. Located in Alabama, Calcana USA Ltd., offers natural gas and propane fueled, USA made patio heaters as a permanent solution to your heating needs. With one of their heaters, you’ll be able to offer a heated patio for your guests, allowing them to sit back and enjoy their meals — and maybe even order dessert!
Stay In Season
Fall is a beautiful time of year with many options for decorations. Whether you choose to stick with a pleasant autumnal atmosphere that fades into winter as the year goes on or go all out and decorate for holidays and special occasions, if you keep your restaurant patio not just physically warm but visually as well, you’ll find more people stay to enjoy the aesthetic.
If you fix up your menu for fall, it may help your customers stick around too. Add some maple, apple, or pumpkin spice to your menu, or branch out into your personal favorite fall-themed dishes. Hot foods like soups, stews, and slow-cooked meats are not only popular in this weather, but can keep your guests comfortable as they fill up, so make adjustments to keep your guests warm and cozy through their meal.
If your patio needs an upgrade, or your heater is ready to give out, check out Calcana today for quality gas and propane heaters.
