As the days grow warmer, people enjoy spending time outside, especially at mealtime. Outdoor dining was one way many restaurants survived the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the National Restaurant Association's 2023 State of the Industry Report, a quarter to a third of operators said they offered outdoor seating for the first time during the pandemic. More than 9 in 10 operators that currently have outdoor seating say they plan to continue it. And nearly 7 in 10 customers say they like having an outdoor dining option. 

Using outdoor space for dining expands the number of customers you can serve, appealing to those still concerned about the safety of dining indoors and those who just like to eat outdoors in pleasant weather. 

Here are 10 tips for setting up a successful outdoor dining experience courtesy of the National Restaurant Association.

1. Secure the proper permits. A considerable number of municipalities issued temporary permits for outdoor dining areas during the pandemic. Many of those are expiring, and while most cities are making the rules permanent, some have proposed new ordinances that would make getting permits for those spaces more difficult and expensive.

Required permits may include:

• seating capacity and accessibility

• special-use liquor licenses

• sound systems/noise ordinances

• four-legged friends

2. Plan for all types of weather. As much as customers enjoy dining outside, few look forward to getting drenched in a cloudburst, baked under a hot sun, or chilled on a cold evening. So you should:

• Use umbrellas, awnings, gazebos, or tents to provide shade and rain protection.

• Provide fans to cool guests and maximize airflow. 

• Develop an emergency plan and train employees in case of dangerous weather conditions

3. Invest in durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture and equipment. Whatever you purchase, it should be able to withstand the elements, be easy to clean and wipe dry after a rainstorm, and be lightweight enough to move quickly. Consider self-leveling tables to adapt to uneven ground surfaces. Keep your seating arrangements and furniture flexible to accommodate different size parties. Consider a hostess stand if you want to prevent guests from going into the restaurant to arrange for outdoor seating. A bussing station with a POS system can speed up service. And a portable bar can provide faster beverage service.

4. Control pests. Follow the same strategies you use indoors but be extra vigilant. Don't forget to:

• clean the area thoroughly

• cover trash cans 

• store foods properly

• set up bug zappers out of customers' way 

5. Add amenities such as hand sanitizing stations.

6. Design an effective layout. Seating arrangements should not only provide comfortable accommodations for guests, visual appeal, and optimal occupancy but also allow for a smooth workflow. Make it as easy for staff to navigate as it is comfortable for patrons. 

7. Use technology to help speed service. With servers much farther away from the kitchen, any way you can incorporate technology, including handheld order entry and transaction devices, tablets or smartphones, QR codes, or payment by digital wallets, will help staff provide better and faster service.

8. Set the mood with lighting. String lights are casual, fun, and festive; tabletop candles or battery lamps are romantic and intimate. Spotlighting can accentuate service areas such as the bar, hostess station, or door-to-interior restrooms. Be sure customers have enough light to read the menu. 

9. Don't disturb the neighbors. Being a good neighbor is essential. Even if your sound system is permitted, keep the volume and noise to a minimum.

10. Keep the outdoors out. With staff and guests constantly going in and out of your restaurant and outdoor dining area, it's easy for the elements and pests to make their way inside. Consider self-closing door hardware, two-way swing doors, or an air curtain over the door leading to your patio, sidewalk, or rooftop dining area to keep the great outdoors where it belongs.

Since 2005, Quikstone Capital has been a trusted funding partner for thousands of restaurants.

If you need cash to get your restaurant ready for summer with a deck or patio, new equipment, or a fresh remodel, Quikstone can help. Contact us today to be prequalified – there is no cost or obligation.