By Dr. Alice Sinia Patio season means outdoor dining, increased foot traffic, and constant movement between inside and outside spaces. While this is great for business, these conditions can also create opportunities for pests to disrupt the outdoors dining experience and find their way indoors. Food, water, and shelter are the three essentials every pest […]
With patio season in full swing, operational efficiency is more important than ever for restaurateurs. Patio sales can represent up to 49 per cent of total sales during the busy season, and with 81 per cent of restaurants now offering outdoor dining, the competition is fierce. According to TouchBistro’s 2026 Patio Season Guide for Restaurants, […]
Patio season is here and making your outdoor dining a more inclusive space can help you attract more guests and boost the bottom line. Patios make great spaces for families because it’s a space where spills can be easier to clean up, restaurant volume can get loud, and there tends to be more distraction with […]
As restaurateurs prepare for busy patios and increased walk-ins, they are also navigating seasonal turnover and hot conditions, as they work to manage operations successfully. From equipment overload to staff turnover, operators have to plan ahead, stay organized, and be ready to pivot as issues arise throughout the summer. Here are some of the summer […]
Patio season has arrived in Ontario, as we head deeper into spring and we welcome summer weather. Getting your patio open early means doubling your seating capacity, attracting guests who want to enjoy the weather, and getting a jump on building seasonal loyalty. Studies show that patio visits can include 40 per cent of daily […]
As we get closer to the first warm long weekend of the season, many operators will be looking for ways to drive traffic and raise revenues. Spring and summer offer unique opportunities for operators to capitalize on long weekends with outdoor space, seasonal offerings, and streamlined operations. Be patio-ready Even if it isn’t quite warm […]
The City of Toronto’s 2026 CaféTO curb lane program invites restaurant and bar operators across the city to participate in one of Toronto’s most impactful initiatives supporting local businesses, vibrant main streets and neighbourhood life. Launched in 2020 as a rapid pandemic response, CaféTO has evolved into a permanent annual program that expands outdoor dining to curb lanes, sidewalks , and private patios. In 2026, […]
This summer, Beertown Public House is throwing open its patio doors to four-legged guests, giving diners the chance to enjoy a meal alongside their canine companions. Complete with a specially designed menu for dogs and non-alcoholic, dog-safe beer, the initiative reflects Beertown Public House’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for all. RELATED: Making […]
Mother’s Day tends to get a lot of attention, but Father’s Day is a great opportunity for restaurants looking to host families celebrating their favourite father figures. Restaurants typically see a 22 per cent increase in sales on Father’s Day, 51 per cent of dads celebrate during the dinner hour, and 21 per cent of […]
As the weather gets warmer, Canadians flock to their local patios to take advantage of the summer season. Outdoor dining increases restaurant sales, so maximizing that space only makes sense. 70 per cent of consumers are willing to wait longer for the patio, so make the wait worth their while with a memorable experience that […]
