By Evelyn Long
Patios can be a desirable addition to your restaurant, creating a new atmosphere for guests to enjoy and helping you to stand out from the competition. Not only is your patio a great way to add revenue by seating more people and turning more tables, but it also offers a potential space for events, which can help add value for your guests.
Studies show that patio visits make up an average of 40 per cent of daily sales, so taking the time to create a space that will take you into the colder months could significantly affect your bottom line.
Creating your patio
The process of creating a patio can be arduous, as proper planning and construction are necessary to make the result worthwhile for guests and restaurant owners. First, it is important to check local laws for restaurant patios, as there may be certain restrictions or regulations you will need to follow to ensure your patio is compliant. Doing so might also help you figure out how big you want the patio to be and how tall the awnings, fencing, and other elements should be.
After formulating a proper plan for the overall design, an important step is making sure the ground is level, which will play a role in paving and installing flooring. If the surface is not properly designed, it could result in poor water drainage, which can cause puddles and eventually cracks the pavement. If these issues arise, they can take away from the aesthetic of your patio, affect your restaurant’s reputation, and discourage your patio traffic. Take the time and money to ensure that you are proactive at this point in the design stage.
Building the patio itself is relatively simple, although hiring professionals to complete complicated work like paving and pouring cement is the simplest and safest route. Look ahead to how much time the building will take, and consider closing the restaurant during the most intensive days of construction or scheduling around your operating times to affect the guest experience as little as possible.
Designing a patio
Once the patio construction is done, it’s time to decorate! This stage is crucial, as it determines the overall vibe of your space and is often the first thing customers notice upon entering. The goal at any time of year, but especially in the fall, is to create an inviting and cozy area, and there are some essential factors to consider when designing your patio:
1. Seating
Guest comfort is crucial when choosing outdoor seating, so guests are comfortable, can enjoy the food and cozy atmosphere, and want to return.
A proper cushion and thick chair legs make all the difference. People should feel supported in their chairs and be able to lean back and observe the entertainment on the patio or engage in a relaxed conversation with their companions. Sometimes seating can be an investment, but when it improves the guest experience, it’s usually worth the investment.
2. Weather considerations
Planning for the weather is a crucial component for restaurant patios. Providing umbrellas that are attached to the table or are easily accessible for servers helps protect your guests from getting wet in the rain and from the sun beating down on them.
Heaters can also be useful during the colder months, providing warmth and ambiance when the temperatures drop.
If your patio is big enough to have couches or lounge chairs, you can arrange them around small fire pits to keep patrons warm and provide a cozy, welcoming vibe. Little touches of warmth can encourage more guests to choose the patio during cooler months and keep them out there a little longer as the evening progresses.
3. Entertainment
Adding fun things to your patio beyond just tables and chairs can liven up the space and make it more enjoyable for your guests. If you have room for a stage, you could offer live music or host trivia nights. Outdoor bars can also be a fun addition, encouraging people to order more drinks and offering an additional option for seating. Barstools are often higher, too, which can give patrons a better view if there’s something happening onstage.
Another option is to add a pergola to the space, which can provide an added room and a place for guests to hang out and mingle. If you’re thinking about going this route, make the decision early in the construction process, as the posts for the pergola often need to be cemented into the ground for maximum safety.
4. Ambiance
The mood of your outdoor patio reflects the mood of your restaurant, so choosing decorations intentionally is essential. Colour plays an important role in curating the tone. For example, darker colours can create a nighttime, out-on-the-town vibe, while lighter colours create a whimsical, daytime atmosphere. Determining your patio’s theme and reflecting that in its décor is an important aspect of design.
Elements like greenery, music, and layout can also contribute to the overall ambiance of your outdoor space. Consider your brand along with your business when adding to the ambiance of your patio.
5. Menu displays
Seating guests in your outdoor space means they may not have access to the information inside the restaurant. Adding technology like tablets, or a large chalkboard or a dry-erase board helps keep guests informed about specials, upcoming events, and special menu items you are highlighting. This may also help you turn tables faster and increase guest cheques for your outdoor diners.
An outdoor patio can be a valuable asset to your restaurant, but thoughtful design can build your reputation, attract attention, improve the guest experience, and keep diners coming back, even as the temperatures drop and we head into the cooler months.
Evelyn Long is a leader in accessible and inclusive interior design for commercial spaces. Her expertise is featured in publications like I+S and Facility Executive, where she shares insights on creating environments that cater to all users. As Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine, Evelyn champions innovative and thoughtful design solutions that prioritize inclusivity and functionality.
