OUTDOOR SEATING CREATES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESTAURANTS TO EASILY EXPAND THEIR CAPACITY AND ENHANCE THEIR CUSTOMERS’ DINING EXPERIENCE.
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a severe toll on the restaurant industry. As many states reopen with restrictions, restaurants are looking to find ways to create both satisfying and safe dining experiences. Since studies have shown that the coronavirus is mainly transmitted indoors, some states are only permitting outdoor dining, and this more viable option creates breathable outdoor areas versus outfitting indoor dining rooms with plexiglass.
Al fresco dining is not a new phenomenon, and this eating style has been deeply embedded in Europe’s cafe scene for quite some time. Part of the history of eating outside around the world has more to do with practical reasons such as avoiding eating in hot homes, but the age of the air conditioner has made it possible to eat in a more controlled environment. Since on average, Americans eat out about six times per week, restaurants may not necessarily see a reduction of business if they switch to an outdoor layout that houses the majority of their patrons, but restaurants will need a savvy approach to outdoor seating to provide a comfortable dining experience that customers are accustomed to.
OUTDOOR SPACES NEED TO BE ARCHITECTED AS AN EXPERIENCE
Restaurants will need to make a significant investment in outdoor seating and upgrade any deteriorated outdoor furniture. Customers will be seeking design excellence, which may be the ultimate factor in attracting patrons who aren’t used to dining outdoors.
Next to decor, climate control is an essential component of rustic dining that restaurants must consider. Fans, heat lamps, umbrellas, awnings, and bug zappers are a few components that can be added to an outside space to help make outdoor eating more comfortable for diners.
WAITING AREAS
Outdoor waiting areas tend to keep incoming diners more engaged because of the opportunity to enjoy local scenery, but customers will need a specific space to shield them from the elements. Setting up a canopy or other spacious area that will allow patrons to keep their distance and either cool off or warm-up is ideal. Restaurants that have excess space in their parking lot may look to put up makeshift tents to create an outdoor waiting space. Benches are a lean way to provide seating and can be placed spaciously to maintain social distancing measures.
SEATING
Designing a seating layout that maximizes space and allows patrons to dine comfortably is a critical task that requires considering functionality, comfort, and capacity limitations that are commonly dictated by local fire codes.
Open-air decor should retain the overall style and theme of indoor dining as much as possible. Mid-century modern themes are an attractive look that will impress customers and is a perfect match for a more lounge atmosphere or fireside furniture. The minimal characteristics of this style would work well for restaurants that have a smaller outdoor space to work with since bulkier furniture may be harder to maneuver.
A more formal outdoor seating arrangement can use heavier tables and fewer lounge items, but this is only recommended if there’s a more permanent awning in place. It may be difficult to quickly move tables or care for denser wood that is continuously being exposed to environmental conditions.
OUTDOOR DINING ENHANCEMENTS
A few other additions to an outside space that will enhance the dining experience is adding art and even music to al fresco seating. Art displays come in many forms, from sculptures to ceramics that can be used as dividers. Large outdoor planters can provide stunning forms of plant life and create a natural separation that will encourage social distancing, and provide a vibrant green or floral landscape to outdoor seating space. Navigating lighting issues should also be a priority. Bringing in candles or lanterns could be a solution to avoiding electric lights, but ensuring sufficient lighting is essential.
KEEPING OUTDOOR AREAS SAFE
As restaurants are scrambling to reconfigure dining spaces and bring in additional furniture, many large retailers are running out of outdoor furniture, and finding commercial-grade furniture that responds well to constant cleaning is another obstacle that restaurants are facing.
Most fabrics on outdoor seating can be cleaned with non-abrasive cleaners, but restaurants may have to subject their outdoor furniture to more in-depth cleaning, making them prone to additional wear and tear. The amount of time the coronavirus can survive on different surfaces has been debatable, but it seems to survive the longest on plastic and stainless steel. So far, cloth appears to keep the virus alive for only 24 hours and paper only 30 minutes. The type of materials that restaurants choose for outdoor furniture can be more or less conducive to keeping the virus alive. Lining tables and seating areas with disposable layering will need to be a significant consideration.
Another safety precaution that may need to be taken is limiting general public access for sidewalk eateries. Creating an open yet enclosed area that prohibits people from entering certain areas or crowding is a vital piece that should be architected into outdoor dining spaces.