Extending Your Patio Season
Restaurant Start-Up Procedures
April 28, 2020
Six Easy Energy Saving Tips for the Food Service Industry
November 16, 2022
Getting the most out of your outdoor space can increase revenue, help alleviate a potential second wave, and offer your customers a unique outdoor experience as the temperatures start to drop.
Much has been done to promote patios as a safer, open air alternative to more confined indoor seating with pubs, bistros, and cafes pouring onto sidewalks in cities throughout Canada. But as we’re well aware, colder temperatures can put a damper on things. Doctors and health authorities in various provinces are concerned with the transition into fall/winter and how it will affect our behaviours, and thus the potential for a second wave of infections. Colder temperatures will force more people inside for a variety of social gatherings – eating included. These same health officials are calling for more options for outdoor winter gathering such as recreational, event, and dining spaces.
But how can you continue to utilize an outdoor space in such an unforgiving climate? The answer requires creativity, and a fresh outlook on our typically dreary Canadian winters, and most of all preparation.
Turn up the heat!
Let’s boil it down – Fall and Winter in Canada is cold, and extending any patio season into those months will require some form of heat source. For the more open spaces with less cover, wood fireplaces are a fairly easy way to offer warmth, and go a long way to enhance the outdoor dining experience. Just make sure the staff are comfortable with getting their hands dirty.
Many patio spaces will not lend well to open fires however - That’s where commercial patio heaters come into play. Our partners at Eastern Tabletop® offer great options for stand-up propane heaters that offer an unobtrusive heat source for a wide variety of outdoor spaces. Electric infra-red patio heaters are also available, and be sure to invest in quality, commercial heaters for your spaces, the last thing you want is to advertise your amazing new cold weather experience only to have your heaters on the fritz. There are also insurance issues if residential heaters are used in a commercial space.
Gas suppliers in some regions are also offering rebates for commercial heaters, so be sure to ask your rep if this is an option in your area.
Lock that heat in.
To get even more patio time out of the colder months, consider investing in a way to cover your patio or portions of it. This can be something as simple as an awning or vinyl curtain – just something to create a bit of an envelope around the eating area. Larger markets may offer event tent rentals, which can be a great option if you have the space and resources, but don’t want to lock into the concept quite yet.
But to truly embrace that magical, winter wonderland dining experience for your customers and keep them completely comfortable the Geodesic Dome is your best bet. Utilized primarily for camping, these structures are magically beautiful, incredibly strong yet they can fit in the back of a truck or van and be set up in a day or two! A Dome can be a stunning space in itself, and certainly a conversation starter even from the street. And with some simple heating, can offer your patrons a unique experience all winter long.
The 13’ dome from our partners at Phoenix Domes is currently available through Russell Hendrix. Rugged enough for Canadian winters, these domes are 100% water proof, fire/flame retardant, resist temperatures down to -45°C, and can withstand a wind load of 80-100km/h! Pitch them on your patio, rooftop, or any outdoor space and give your customers an experience they won’t soon forget!
Sit Back and Chill.
Done well, an outdoor dining space can offer customers a new, truly unique experience. Amp up the Nordic spa vibes by adding more lounge seating, seat cushions, and remind customers to bring their own blankets. The addition of ambient music can also add to the ambiance of the space.
Consider limiting your outdoor menu to specific appetizers and drinks that will do well in the colder temps. Hot, seasonal drinks and soul-warming food will keep customers comfortable and coming back on those cool nights.
Embrace the cold.
Before you stack up the patio chairs this fall, keep in mind that every chair you stack is another potential customer you could be seating at least for another month or two. There are specific challenges to cold weather patios, for those who have the right location and setup, it can be relatively easy to squeeze a little more out of this valuable real estate.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your RH Sales Representative for more information on the supplies you need to offer your customers a truly cool place to dine.
Russell Hendrix has great options for patio furniture and supplies - including hot deals on in-stock Grosfillex chairs, tables, and umbrellas. Up to 50% off select items - Limited quantities, first come first served. Act fast! Click here for more info!
Do you think an extended patio season can help your business? Contact us and we'll help guide you through the process!