Nothing compares to a restaurant outdoor patio to make the dining experience that much more memorable. No matter if you run a classic bistro, a small café, or a trendy restaurant, you can make a cozy outdoor space. This area will attract customers and help your business grow.
But it can be a challenge to keep your patio feeling inviting year-round. Smart planning is important for anyone who wants to stay comfortable and tough in a changing climate. This post will help you turn your outside restaurant patio into a year-round love space that customers will love.
Assess Your Current Patio Setup
To create a cozy outdoor space you can use year-round, start by taking stock of what you already have.
Evaluate Existing Furniture and Layout
Take a good look at your restaurant outdoor patio furniture and seating layout. Do you have weatherproof chairs and tables? Is there enough room for customers to move around freely? You might want to consider investing in higher-quality, multi-purpose items designed for outdoor use.
Identify Problem Areas and Limitations
Identify “pain points” that make patrons uncomfortable, such as seats in direct sunlight, where there’s too much wind or poor lighting. If you can pinpoint these pain points, you will be able to plan accordingly.
Determine Your Patio’s Potential for Improvement
Consider what sets your restaurant outdoor patio ideas apart. Could you expand the area? Could there be potential you are not seeing? Are there little-used spaces or tall areas where you could add some plants or decorations? Knowing the potential of your space is crucial to making the most of its appeal.
Implement Weather Protection Solutions
Protecting your patio from weather conditions is crucial for maintaining comfort throughout the year.
Install Retractable Awnings or Pergolas
A strong and nice-looking awning or pergola is the first line of defence against rain and hot sun. Foldable options allow for flexibility in different weather. Companies like Shadescape focus on custom solutions for special needs.
Add Windbreaks and Privacy Screens
Windbreaks and privacy screens not only shield you from nippy breezes, but also help form an intimate setting. Choose materials like glass or frosted panels for a stylish look. You can also pick budget-friendly plank or accordion dividers.
Incorporate Weather-Resistant Curtains or Blinds
Curtains and blinds for any weather. Weather-resistant curtains and blinds are not only for practical value but also for aesthetic value. This material is protective and cocooning. It helps create a cozy and insulated space, especially when it’s cold outside.
Optimise Seating and Furniture Choices
Nothing can enhance a dining experience more than comfortable seating.
Select Durable, All-Weather Materials
Choose furniture made from rust-proof metals, like aluminium. Also, look for treated woods and high-quality synthetic materials.
Incorporate Comfortable Cushions and Pillows
And who wants to sit in hard, uncomfortable chairs! Opt for water-resistant and UV-resistant cushions with fuss-free covers to make maintenance and storage a breeze.
Arrange Furniture for Optimal Space Utilisation
To make the most of your space, which you can easily access at the same time. Experiment with layouts to discover what is the best layout for your outside restaurant patio. Options that cater to various group sizes mean offering options for both intimate and larger gatherings.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Lighting
Lighting can enhance the atmosphere of the outdoor space, enticing diners into a style as much as for the food.
Install Adjustable Overhead Lighting
Some soft overhead lighting, in the form of dimmable LED fixtures, can create the right atmosphere for evening diners.
Add Warmth with String Lights and Lanterns
Fairy lights are warm and welcoming, and lanterns have a romantic touch. Both cast a cozy glow that will make your patio unforgettable when the sun goes down.
Incorporate Table Lamps and Candles for Ambience
Small decorative items like table lamps or LED candles can create a warm, cozy feeling that customers will enjoy.
Manage Temperature Control Year Round
“Keep your customers coming back this season by managing temperature control.”
Install Outdoor Heaters for Colder Months
Between freestanding and wall-mounted options, you won’t regret having one on hand to keep your guests toasty on those chilly outdoor nights.
Implement Misting Systems for Summer Cooling
On those hot summer days, a misting system can be a refreshing relief to your restaurant patio designers.
Use Fans to Improve Air Circulation
Ceiling fans, or a space fan, do wonders to ensure good airflow and prevent discomfort on muggy days.
Enhance the Ambience with Greenery and Decor
Decorate your cover to make your patio an eye-catching centrepiece.
Choose Hardy, Year-Round Plants and Planters
Choose evergreen plants and sturdy planters to ensure your patio is lush and welcoming all year round. Choices like fern or juniper bestow greenery without a care requirement.
Add Seasonal Decorations and Accents
Change your decor with the seasons. Use dried leaves and pumpkins in autumn. Add fairy lights in winter. In spring, use fresh flowers for a cute touch.
Incorporate Water Features or Fire Elements
A small fountain can create soothing sounds in the area. A fire pit or fire table adds warmth and a nice atmosphere for diners at night.
Ensure Proper Maintenance and Cleanliness
It’s all about the backyard.
Develop a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Keep your patio looking spotless with regular cleaning, including scouring and preserving patio furniture and power washing.
Perform Seasonal Maintenance Checks
Check for wear each season. Replace anything you have that is broken, and test out any winter weather protection you have, such as awnings and heaters.
Train Staff on Patio Upkeep Procedures
Make sure that everyone knows how to take care of your patio objects. Training is simple and will pay dividends in the form of fewer maintenance repairs and fewer hours worked overtime.
Most Comfortable Patios Create Loyal Customers
An attractive restaurant patio does more for the mood than just improve ambience, it also inspires the loyalty of diners who deeply appreciate the comfort, thought, and style you’ve dedicated to the space.
Not only that, a well-placed patio can be the difference that separates you from your competition and solidifies your status in the ever-growing restaurant wars.
If you are ready to turn your restaurant into an all-weather establishment, you can use these design tips to begin. Or for more in-depth solutions, designers like Shadescape can create a solution specific to your space to help you get outside in all seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my restaurant patio warm in the winter?
Or consider adding outdoor heaters, weatherproof furniture or windbreaks to keep your patio warm during colder months.
What outdoor furniture material is best for restaurants?
You want to make sure you are using long-lasting materials like powder-coated aluminium, treated wood and heavy-duty synthetics for restaurant outdoor patio use.
How can I make my patio kid-friendly?
Add kid-friendly seating, think about precautions such as rounded corners on furniture, and provide kids’ activity packs.
