Fresh air, natural light, gentle breeze, and mouthwatering dishes—the perfect ingredients for al fresco dining with loved ones. This dining experience is what keeps guests coming back to your restaurant throughout the patio season. During spring and summer, your restaurant patio becomes a bustling hub that brings in more guests and more revenue.
But what happens when cold weather creeps in? For some restaurants, the patio becomes a forlorn place with empty tables, underutilized and gathering dust. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to happen to your restaurant. There are ways to extend your patio season and use the extra space almost all year round.
Outdoor dining kept many restaurants afloat during and right after the pandemic. Although social distancing seems a thing of the past, more than 9 in 10 restaurant operators continue to offer outdoor seating. With 69% of consumers saying that they liked having the option to dine outside on a patio, deck, or sidewalk, offering al fresco dining is a savvy move to attract diners and earn their business.
Aside from this, having outdoor dining spaces increases your seating capacity. When the weather’s nice, and the food is delightful, diners also tend to stay longer and order more food. Ultimately, these boost your revenue. So, why not capitalize on that and keep your patio buzzing with al fresco diners?
Patio season peaks from June to August, when diners relish the warmth of summer. Near the end of August, however, as the cold breeze swoops in, outdoor dining starts to lose its appeal. But you can extend your restaurant’s patio season and keep revenue flowing as long as possible.
Here are five nifty tips to keep your restaurant patio a go-to dining spot well into the winter season.
When the temperature starts to drop, crank up coziness factors. Make your patio the ultimate snug spot with partial enclosures and outdoor heating systems that shield diners from the cold breeze. Go all out with comfy furniture like couches or loveseats. If you have ample space, lay in a fire pit where guests can gather around. For smaller areas, consider tabletop propane fire pits to keep the warmth and the vibe just right.
Can’t splurge on those? Go for more affordable alternatives. Drape curtains—anchored or weighted at the bottom—can block the breeze. Set up a pile of cozy blankets that guests can use at their leisure. Use throw pillows or cushioned seating for a lounge feel. Don’t forget the lighting: string lights, lanterns, and candles can make your patio feel like a magical escape from the chilly weather. Craving more patio inspiration? Check out our restaurant patio ideas and learn how to create a stunning outdoor oasis.
Rain or shine, your patio should be ready for anything, so weatherproof it. Umbrellas and canopies provide protection against rain or wind but block sunlight. Retractable awnings may be a better option as they offer shade and protection when needed but can be quickly pulled in when a dose of sunshine is much needed. Temporary solutions like sun shade sails or popup cabanas with weighted anchors can also do the trick.
For patio furniture, choose those that can withstand the elements. Teak wood is a great choice—it's rustic, natural, and durable. Plastic and metal options are also popular. Plastic ones come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Metal ones are durable, but make sure you have heated seat cushions and tablecloths ready to cover cold metal chairs and tables in winter. Going for an eclectic vibe? Combine furniture in different materials and designs.
Keep guests coming back with seasonal menu items that bring comfort and warmth. Give them a “hug in a bowl” with hearty soups, rich chowders, or savory stews. Offer hot chocolate, free coffee refills, spiced mulled wine, and other hot beverages. Serve dishes in individual cast iron skillets and keep bread warm in baskets with cloth napkins.
Fondue, anyone? Both savory cheese fondue and sweet chocolate fondue with fruits can be irresistible additions that make your guests feel like they’re dining in a winter wonderland. Designing a happy hour menu for al fresco dining can also entice guests to head out and enjoy the night breeze.
Want to make your outdoor dining area the place to be? Add some fun and value. The 2023 State of the Industry report also reveals that nearly half of consumers are value-conscious. They look for irresistible offers or compelling reasons to dine out. When we talk about value, we don’t just mean discounts and promotions.
Consider hosting special events like live music or unique entertainment. If you have a fire pit, arrange “campouts” where diners can roast marshmallows and swap stories. Offer loyalty programs that reward diners who still dine out during the colder season.
Still not integrating technology into your operations? You might be losing customers to your competitors. With a majority of full-service customers saying they would be likely to place an order or pay the check using a tablet at the table, 76% of operators believe using technology gives them a competitive edge.
Launch a website where guests can reserve patio seats. Provide tablets or have QR codes available on each table to enable diners to order, call for service, or bill out without having to wave to get the attention of your staff. Consider investing in smart systems that give your guests control over heating and lighting in their space so they can adjust them according to their personal preferences and comfort.
Extending patio season can indeed maximize your capacity and increase potential revenue. However, it may not always work for all restaurants. There are factors that should be considered before digging into year-round patio dining:
Al fresco dining will always be an option diners would want to have. Offering these outdoor experiences can draw more customers to your place and increase your revenue. To maximize your restaurant capacity year-round, make the necessary changes so you can utilize your restaurant patio even during the colder months.
Once you’ve implemented the changes, prepare for the subsequent increase in dine-in customers by expanding your staff. Also, consider leveling up your tech stack with a people management platform that streamlines your business’ operations. Book a demo with Push to discover how it makes end-to-end HR management smooth and seamless.
“In the labor numbers, we were reporting about a $300 to $400 difference than what we were getting through Push!”
-Tara Hardie, ZZA Hospitality Group, 16 locations
