An outdoor dining area can create a completely different atmosphere from your interior dining room, give you more seats to fill and provide a variety of different uses.  For many restaurant owners the outdoor areas tend to take a backseat to the main dining room, but infusing some time, effort and money into these spaces can greatly increase your restaurant’s revenue.

Atmosphere

If your establishment is located in a scenic area, or near a local attraction, situate your patio so that it offers guests a great view. If your surroundings aren’t naturally awe-inspiring, create your own ambiance. Some ways to do this are incorporating a mural, playing music, and planting beautiful landscaping.  Fans for the warm days and outdoor heaters for the cool days will ensure you guests have a comfortable experience.  The atmosphere of your outdoor area will largely hinge on the theme of your restaurant.  If you run a sports bar or gastropub, you will want to add televisions and perhaps an outdoor bar. 

Promotions

Create a happy hour or dining special just for al fresco customers. A frozen beverage promotion, for example, can help draw thirsty diners to your space on a warm summer day.  You may even consider setting up party games where customers can play to win a variety of discounts or prizes.  Enticing guests to your outdoor areas will help you fill out your restaurant and maximize your space.

Events

Outdoor spaces give you an opportunity to create private parties that are removed from the on-goings within your restaurant. Use your new space to offer this service to customers and boost your restaurant’s revenue.  They can also offer a great venue for live music or other acts.  An outdoor area with live music can give your restaurant a very festive feel and help you to attract new customers without disrupting those in your indoor dining area.

Updates

Once you have your outdoor seating area the way you and your customers like it, make sure to keep it updated, just as you would your indoor space. The National Restaurant Association recommends updating your patio or deck every five to seven years to keep up with design trends and customer expectations.  This will include replacing damaged furniture, painting walls and railings, power washing or staining the deck and updating the décor.  The idea here is to keep your outdoor space looking new.

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