How to Prepare Your Restaurant for Outdoor Season This Summer

Hey there, restaurant owner! Are you looking to boost your revenue, expand your seating capacity, and create memorable dining experiences that keep customers coming back? With the warm weather right around the corner, now is the ideal time to invest in an inviting and efficient outdoor space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything—from choosing the best commercial patio furniture and optimizing your layout to securing permits, maintaining cleanliness, and even measuring your success. Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of your restaurant this summer!

Why Outdoor Dining is a Game Changer

Creating an outdoor dining area can completely transform your business. Here’s how it adds value:

• Increase Seating Capacity: Increase your seating options during peak seasons, turning an underused space into a profitable extension of your dining room.
• Create an Inviting Ambience: Give guests a fresh-air experience that feels unique, whether they’re enjoying a sunny brunch or a breezy evening meal.
• Stand Out from the Crowd: A well-designed outdoor area sets you apart from competitors and can become a focal point for your brand.
• Drive Social Media Buzz: Eye-catching outdoor setups encourage guests to snap photos and share online, boosting word-of-mouth marketing.

Now that we've explored some of the key benefits of creating an outdoor dining area for your restaurant can bring, let's deep dive into the practical steps needed to bring your vision to life. From navigating permits and regulations and selecting the right commercial outdoor furniture, the following sections will guide you through the process of transforming your patio or sidewalk into a thriving extension of your restaurant.

Review the Required Permits and Regulations

Before you set up your outdoor dining area, it's important to cover your bases. Many cities eased restrictions during the pandemic, but places like Los Angeles are tightening them again. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check local zoning restrictions, capacity limits, and health and safety rules.
• Review opening-hour regulations and any noise or signage ordinances.
• Secure all necessary building permits and business licenses.
• Plan early for permit applications, furniture delivery, and installation to avoid last-minute delays.

NYC Example Highlight:

For example, New York City’s Department of Transportation recently rolled out detailed rules for its Dining Out NYC program. Some key points include:

• License and Consent Requirements: You need to submit a detailed petition—including a site plan and photographs—to get a revocable consent for operating a sidewalk or roadway cafe.
• Clear Path and Design Criteria: Regulations require a minimum clear path (8-12 feet, depending on the corridor) to keep pedestrian flow smooth and safe.
• Operational Standards: The rules cover everything from maintenance and noise control to lighting, awnings, and umbrellas.
• Public Engagement: There are public hearings and community board reviews to ensure transparency and local input.

These steps help maintain safety, accessibility, and the overall look of NYC’s streetscape. For more details, check out the official document on the NYC rules website: DOT Proposed Rule for Outdoor Dining.

Keep It Clean and Choose Smart: The Power of Commercial Outdoor Furniture

When it comes to outdoor dining, cleanliness is just as important as having the right furniture. You want your space to look inviting and pristine, while also reducing maintenance hassles. That’s where investing in commercial-grade outdoor furniture really pays off.

Maintain a Pristine Space

Outdoor dining brings fresh air and a lively vibe, but it also exposes your space to dust, pollen, and other elements. To keep your area looking its best:

• Regularly sanitize outdoor tables, chairs, umbrella stands, and server stations.
• Store soft furnishings in sheltered areas to guard against adverse weather conditions.
• Establish a consistent cleaning schedule so your dining area stays spotless all season long.

Why Commercial Outdoor Furniture is a Smart Investment

Investing in high-quality commercial outdoor furniture not only enhances your space’s look but also reduces upkeep. When you choose pieces made from materials like aluminum, powder-coated finishes, urethane, and teak, you benefit from:

• Reduced Maintenance: Weatherproof finishes help your furniture resist corrosion, fading, and damage, meaning less frequent cleaning and repair work.
• Enhanced Flexibility: Lightweight, stackable, and modular designs let you easily reconfigure your layout for different events and quickly store items during colder months.
• Maximized Investment: Durable, purpose-built furniture stays attractive and functional over time, ensuring you get the most value out of your purchase.

Pairing a thorough cleaning schedule with thoughtfully selected commercial-grade furniture yields an outdoor space that is both attractive and highly functional, delighting guests while positively impacting your bottom line.

Optimizing Your Layout: From Table Spacing to Service Flow

Getting your outdoor dining layout right is crucial for both guest comfort and efficient service. When your tables are spaced perfectly and the overall design is smartly planned, your guests enjoy their meals more—and your staff can work more smoothly. Here's how to create a layout that really works:

Provide a Comfortable Distance Between Tables

Proper spacing is key. Research—including a study by Cornell University (source)—shows that well-spaced tables boost comfort. Industry recommendations generally suggest 24-30 inches between tables (source). That said, every restaurant has its own vibe, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect balance.

Design a Smart, Flexible Layout

Once you've sorted out table spacing, it's time to think about the overall design:

• Flexible Seating Arrangements: Create distinct zones—for example, cozy corners for intimate dining and open areas for larger groups. With modular furniture, you can easily reconfigure the space to suit different needs or special events.
• Clear Pathways and Service Flow: Ensure there’s enough room for both guests and staff to move around. Clear pathways help reduce congestion and ensure that service runs smoothly.
• Thoughtful Lighting: Good lighting sets the mood and keeps your space safe. Consider using battery-powered table lanterns or trendy globe string lights to add a warm, inviting glow that complements your design.

Paying attention to exact table spacing and adopting a flexible, well-planned layout fosters a welcoming atmosphere while streamlining operations. This method elevates the guest experience and empowers your team to provide exceptional service."

Focus on Accessibility and Embrace Mobile Menus

Expanding your restaurant to include an outdoor dining section means more than just adding extra seating—it also means meeting strict accessibility requirements. This isn’t optional; it’s a legal mandate and a fundamental part of delivering great service. Ensuring your outdoor area complies with ADA standards and local regulations not only keeps you in line with the law, but it also makes your restaurant welcoming for every guest.

Accessibility

Here are some essential tips to ensure your outdoor area meets all accessibility requirements:

• Accessible Seating: Provide seating options with accessible tables. For instance, table-top surfaces should be no higher than 34 inches above the floor, with at least 27 inches of clearance underneath to accommodate wheelchair users comfortably.
• Clear Pathways: Ensure there is ample space for mobility aids, service animals, and guests using wheelchairs. Keep paths around self-serve stations, ordering areas, and seating zones wide and unobstructed.
• Room to Move: Arrange self-serve items and counters at accessible heights (ideally no higher than 36 inches) so guests can easily reach them. Consider offering temporary accessible seating setups for special events.
• Signage and Assistance: Clearly post signs that offer assistance in self-serve areas and ensure your staff is trained to help guests who need extra support.
• Service Animals: Ensure that service animals, usually dogs, are welcomed in all dining areas. Train your staff on proper protocols for interacting with service animals to make everyone feel at ease.

For a deeper dive into these requirements, check out the ADA’s guidelines in the Food Service Accessibility Guidelines.

Embrace Mobile Menus

Printed menus can be a hassle in outdoor settings—especially on windy days. Mobile menus offer a modern solution:

• Easy Access: Use QR codes so guests can quickly view your menu on their smartphones, reducing the need for physical menus that might get lost or damaged.
• Streamlined Service: Implement tableside order and pay systems to simplify the ordering process and boost service efficiency.
• Updated Information: Digital menus allow for real-time updates on offerings and prices, ensuring guests always have the latest details.

Incorporating comprehensive accessibility practices alongside modern mobile solutions ensures your outdoor dining area remains legally compliant and genuinely inclusive for all guests.

Designing for the Elements: Climate Control and Maximizing Unique Views

When planning your outdoor dining area, it’s essential to consider both guest comfort and the natural features of your space. Not only do you need to manage the weather, but you also have a unique opportunity to showcase breathtaking rooftop or skyline views. Here's how to blend practical climate control with smart design to create a memorable dining experience:

Practical Climate Control

Your guests’ comfort is crucial. According to the National Restaurant Association, diners typically need a minimum of 60.5°F (15.8°C) to feel comfortable. Depending on your location and the elements, consider these practical solutions:

• Heat and Cool: Install heat lamps or provide blankets for cooler evenings, and use fans or strategically placed umbrellas to keep guests cool on hot days.
• Weather-Aware Seating: Design your seating areas to avoid excessively sunny or windy spots, ensuring that your guests can enjoy the view without discomfort.

Maximizing Unique Views

If your restaurant boasts a rooftop or stunning skyline views, use these assets to elevate the guest experience. A well-designed outdoor area can be both practical and visually captivating:

• Designing Around the View: Arrange furniture to ensure that the best sightlines are clear. Choose sleek, minimalist designs that don’t obstruct the view while offering comfort.
• Creating Designated Photo Spots: Set up dedicated areas with branded backdrops or artistic installations to encourage guests to snap and share their experience on social media.
• Digital Engagement: Offer incentives like discounts or freebies for posts tagged with your restaurant’s hashtag. QR codes can link directly to your digital gallery or special promotions, driving online engagement.

By integrating thoughtful climate control measures with smart design that highlights your unique views, you ensure that your outdoor dining area is both comfortable and Instagram-worthy—no matter what the weather brings.

Additional Tips for a Successful Outdoor Dining Setup

• Seasonal Promotions: Launch limited-time offers or themed events to draw in crowds.
• Menu Adaptation: Adjust your menu to feature light, seasonal dishes that complement outdoor dining.
• Customer Feedback: Regularly gather feedback and tweak your setup for continuous improvement.
• Routine Maintenance: Establish a schedule for cleaning and maintaining both furniture and the overall outdoor area.

Measuring Success: Calculating ROI and Setting Goals

It’s important to not only set up your outdoor dining area but also to track its performance. Here’s how you can measure success and ensure you’re getting a solid return on your investment:

• Calculate Your Total Costs: Add up expenses including permits, furniture purchase or rental, installation, cleaning supplies, and any additional decor or tech investments like mobile ordering systems.
• Set Revenue Goals: Determine how much extra revenue the outdoor area should generate. For example, calculate the break-even point by dividing your total costs by the number of extra covers you expect to serve.
• Track Key Metrics: Monitor metrics like increased seating capacity, table turnover rate, guest feedback, and online engagement. These data points will help you adjust your setup and promotional strategies.
• Reassess and Adapt: Use your findings to make informed decisions about layout changes, promotional efforts, or even additional investments in furniture and tech to maximize profitability.

Regularly tracking performance throughout the season allows you to refine your outdoor dining setup so it aligns seamlessly with operational requirements and financial objectives. And also allowing you to pivot and change strategies in the moment if something works extremely well and you want to focus on it or if something goes not as planned and you need to choose a new path. The goal should be to maximize your revenue while learning what worked and what didn't for next season!

Conclusion & Next Steps

Preparing your restaurant for outdoor dining doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With careful planning—from selecting durable, stylish patio furniture and obtaining the necessary permits to designing a flexible layout and measuring your ROI—you’ll be well on your way to creating an inviting and profitable outdoor space. Remember, every successful setup starts with a solid plan and a willingness to adapt. Ready to transform your outdoor dining area? Check out our range of commercial outdoor patio furniture and let’s make this summer your most successful one yet!