In the next few months, we will see patios steadily open up as the weather warms up and more people want to enjoy dining outside. The warmer weather brings operators the opportunity to bring in more traffic, create a unique dining space, expand the menu, and become a destination for outdoor dining. But with these opportunities comes a few challenges, too, from weather to staffing to pets.

Take these factors into consideration to create a strategy for a successful patio season.

Wet weather

The weather in Canada can change in a matter of moments, so if guests are dining outside and the weather starts to turn, you need a plan to accommodate them and your staff efficiently during service:

• Stay on top of local weather, and if rain is imminent, stop seating people outside 45 minutes ahead of the storm to allow enough time to get the tables cleared before it starts.
• Consider sectioning off some of your patio that’s covered and not seating or taking reservations so it stays open for seating, should inclement weather arise.
• Prepare to move guests inside if you think a storm is coming and be sure to create a system to prepare your kitchen and inside staff of the increased traffic.

The idea is to maintain a superior guest experience, even when Mother Nature takes a turn to have guests coming back again and again to your restaurant.

Pet policy

More and more guests are bringing furry family members out with them, so your staff needs to know how to handle requests for pets to visit your patio:

• If you plan to allow pets on your patio, allocate specific areas or schedule set days/hours to make it as convenient as you can for everyone.
• Consider putting out bowls of water on hotter days to make pets more comfortable and encourage guests who want to bring their pets.
• Clearly post your pet policy and educate your teams so there is no confusion and guests understand the limitations of your restaurant.

While allowing pets on your property is not for everyone, if you are getting requests for this, consider offering a space that works for your guests and your business.

Staffing success

With the increased and unpredictable traffic that comes with patio season, staffing can become a challenge. There are several factors to consider when creating a strategy for staffing success:

• Consider hiring a seasonal staff designed to serve patio customers through the spring and summer to alleviate extra strain on your existing staff, help address additional traffic, and offer the best experience to your guests.
• Often long weekends are involved, so plan for extra staff, remembering that this may be a time for more traffic and less staff as your teams take their summer vacations. Schedule in advance to accommodate days off and shift changes well in advance of the weekend.
• Manage lines accordingly. Whether you have people gathering outside or at the front entrance ensure that you have a system in place so guests don’t wait long to be seated.

RELATED: The costly consequences of long restaurant lines

Patio season brings a host of opportunities for operators to expand the menu, offer new experiences and build the bottom line. Create a plan for weather, pets, staffing, and more for a successful strategy that will take your patio season through the spring and summer.