Patio season is here, and many operators are busy getting their outdoor spaces ready to welcome the season’s patio-goers. Are diners looking to share a meal with their pets? Can operators get ahead of the competition by targeting this segment of the market? This year’s season may look a little different: solo dining is on the rise, with single online reservations increasing by eight per cent since May 2024, and that may increase the demand for pet-friendly spaces, as more guests might want to bring their pets along to accompany them at mealtime.

Broaden your customer base

Consumers like spending time with their pets; 36 per cent of consumers like the idea of pet-friendly restaurants and are interested in visiting those spots. Of those respondents, 46 per cent said they dine out with their pets weekly, but 62 per cent of dog owners revealed that the difficulty of finding dog-friendly spots has posed a barrier preventing them from dining out. Adding a pet-friendly patio can help you attract a whole new customer, and with so many diners looking for spots to bring their pets, you can create a space where pet owners want to come back again and again, boosting traffic and increasing customer loyalty.

Build your brand

Allowing pets on your patio can help your restaurant get attention and improve your image with pet owners. Often, pet owners develop an emotional connection to brands they associate with their pets, and when the experience is positive, it opens up the possibility of customers becoming brand ambassadors. When you have happy pet-owner customers, they can help you build that business by sharing and talking about their experience in your restaurant. Soliciting positive reviews, engaging on social media, and suggesting that customers share your content can help you reach more people and build your brand as a pet-friendly business.

Separating yourself from the rest in the marketplace can help you build your bottom line and increase traffic. Asses your target market, viability, and benefits of becoming a pet-friendly patio to determine whether it makes sense for your restaurant and your customers.