Last Updated on November 14, 2022 by Umer Malik
If your restaurant is planning on offering outdoor dining, sometimes also called al fresco dining, during the summer 2021 season, there are several tips you may want to implement. Even if your restaurant has already undergone a kitchen renovation Los Angeles and you’ve been working on a curb-appeal outdoor living renovation Los Angeles to get more foot traffic, you can still improve the al fresco experience by trying out these ideas.
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1. Spend Time Deep-Cleaning
Having a clean-cut outdoor space is not only more attractive to customers but safer as well. Make sure to power-wash seating areas, sanitize all surfaces and dust away pollen and other irritants.
2. Redesign Your Outdoor Space
If your restaurant has never offered al fresco dining before, you may need to redesign your outdoor space. If you’ve done interior design Manhattan Beach on the restaurant interior before, you may know how the process works. Be sure to start any renovations a few months before the summer.
3. Set Up Small Comforts
If you plan on offering dinner service into the evening, keeping guests comfortable outside is essential. Simply set up overhead lights, insect-repelling candles and protective mosquito nets.
4. Distance Tables and Chairs
Make sure you arrange your outdoor tables and chairs at a reasonable distance from one another. You may need to post signs informing customers of the maximum allowed number of people on your patio.
5. Choose Bright, Summery Décor
Try livening up your outdoor area with some bright and summer furniture or décor! You could find yellow wicker furniture, flower-themed chair cushions or elegant floral centerpieces for each table.
6. Offer Straightforward Health Measures
During the summer 2021 season, restaurant owners will have to balance customer service with public health and safety measures. You may want to offer your patrons:
- Free masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Temperature checks
7. Create a Pleasant Dining Ambiance
Your food is sure to delight guests, but the surrounding ambiance is also a critical factor in their dining experience. To create a pleasant atmosphere, make sure to use:
- Soft, pre-recorded background music
- Live bands on selected nights
- Hanging fairy lights overhead
- Colorful decorations
8. Offer Pet-Friendly Spaces
You may be able to attract more business if you offer pet care! Open up a pet-friendly space where diners can drop off their pets and assign a staff member to look after them.
9. Create a Separate Smoking Section
Unless your restaurant specifically caters to smokers, you may want to create a separate, dedicated section where patrons can have a smoke. Simply rope off a small area away from the rest of the tables to offer this convenience to your customers.
10. Make Your Space Available for Rentals
Finally, why limit your restaurant to walk-in diners? Once you’ve got an attractive outdoor space set up, you may want to consider hosting al fresco events! This can help you cover the cost of any tweaks you may have made to your outdoor space.
As you prepare your restaurant for the summer 2021 season, consider offering your guests the option of experiencing al fresco dining. With these tips in mind, you can make your restaurant’s outdoor dining experience truly memorable.
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