5 Fresh Ways to Utilize Your Restaurant's Outdoor Space

Do you want to add comfortable outdoor space to your restaurant? To do so adds new potential for income and growth of your business. But, adding the right outdoor area calls for more than simply throwing some tables outside and hoping for good weather. Instead, you need to develop a strategy for using the outdoor elements to your best advantage.

So, what could you do to create the most useful and inviting outdoor patio area? Consider these five modern ideas.

Not all outdoor spaces need to be dining areas. What if you already have an outdoor dining patio or the weather is frequently an obstacle to outdoor eating? In this case, consider using the patio as a waiting area. Add comfortable couches and low tables along with a protective awning so people will be more likely to stay when they see a line to get in. This is also an excellent way to sell appetizers.

The outdoor dining space could be a way for you to welcome a new pool of potential customers: pet owners. Americans are increasingly attached to their pets, but pet owners can have trouble finding places they can eat while Fido is along for the ride. You can become their go-to eatery by offering at least a portion of the patio as a pet-friendly zone.

Provide water and a few snacks for pets as well as more leg room around tables so everyone is comfortable. And remember that pets can easily become overheated, so include shaded tables and pet areas as well.

Give diners extra ways to relax and enjoy themselves at your restaurant by providing some games options. Add outdoor-friendly tables but leave plenty of room for people to move around freely. Set up games like cornhole, croquet, or dominoes, or offer board games on the tables themselves. Install a movable awning so you can control how sunny the games patio gets throughout the year.

Turning the outdoor patio into a family-friendly environment can also help avoid unnecessary conflict between inside diners and those with energetic kids.

Do you have a problem with diners who stay at their tables longer than you'd like? Why not design a special place they can go when they're done with their meal but not done with their conversation?

An overflow space should provide comfortable sofas or small conversation groupings, perhaps adding small fire elements for ambiance. It could take advantage of a great view, such as the sunset. Assign servers or roll out a mobile bar to sell cocktails or hot beverages to guests who are still enjoying their time in your restaurant.

Think of the patio as a small restaurant-within-a-restaurant. What can you do to create a unique dining experience different from what is offered by your indoor tables? How can you make it a true "destination"?

Perhaps you could add an outdoor grill and prepare food in front of guests? Or install a pizza oven for fresh pies? The patio area could have a fresh, seasonal menu while the indoor rooms maintain the standard menu varieties. Does the patio face the street? Invite on-the-go customers and promote your brand by setting up a covered coffee bar. Or introduce special events like music, trivia, or tastings.

No matter what creative use is the best idea for your outdoor dining area, you will need the right protection from the elements. Start finding your inspiration with a visit to the outdoor experts at Sunstate Awning today.