Why outdoor dining is a no-brainer for your business

Many business owners will be familiar with the frustration of having to turn customers away because their establishment is full.
An outdoor dining area can increase the seating capacity of your restaurant or café.

That’s just one of the many benefits outdoor dining can offer your business.

In the current economic climate, businesses are seeking ways to boost revenue. Expanding your seating capacity through outdoor dining is a straightforward strategy to increase your business’s income. If you often have a waiting list, the additional seating can significantly reduce customer wait times, leading to higher satisfaction levels.

Outdoor dining can create a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere, helping you to attract more customers. By providing an inviting, ambient space, you can help make your venue appealing. Many diners also enjoy being close to nature, while others enjoy feeling less confined outside.

When the weather is warm, customers often feel positive dining outside.
If customers enjoy the atmosphere of your restaurant, they are more likely to return. Some studies indicate that customers are 30% more likely to return to an establishment that offers outdoor dining.

Outdoor dining also provides added flexibility, empowering you to make the most of the environment surrounding your business. Depending on your location, you can explore options like rooftop dining or dining in a garden. If your business is near the beach, you can even offer dining with a stunning ocean view, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Additionally, you have the flexibility to add other elements to increase the atmosphere. For example, you could consider offering entertainment in your outdoor dining area.

Outdoor dining also appeals to those with pets, who are usually not permitted in indoor dining spaces.

Outdoor dining spaces can increase curb appeal by grabbing the attention of passersby. This is especially the case if they include visually appealing elements, such as shade sails.

What other factors do you need to consider?

Outdoor dining is not without its challenges. Therefore, there are several factors you need to consider.

Firstly, you need to make sure your customers are happy.
If you want to keep your customers happy, you need to make sure they are comfortable.

You want your outdoor dining area to be as calm and peaceful as possible, so avoid setting it up in a noisy place.

If you plan on using your outdoor dining space during winter, consider keeping your outdoor dining area warm with a heater or wood fire.
Make sure you have comfortable outdoor furniture that is weather-resistant.
The weather can change quickly.

Therefore, waterproof protection such as a shade sail can provide important protection. For maximum protection, it is critical to choose a high-quality product. Many off the shelf shade sails are not waterproof.

No one enjoys sitting outside with the sun beating down on them. A quality shade sail will provide your customers with up to 99% protection from the sun’s UV rays. This will make dining outside a much more pleasant experience.

You want to make sure all your diners are protected, not just some of them. A custom-made product will be tailored to fit to your outdoor dining area. This will ensure adequate protection of your entire area.

Also consider that many local councils will charge fees if your outdoor dining area encroaches on public space, such as a footpath.

While regulations were eased during the pandemic, some of these have returned.

An outdoor dining area can provide endless opportunities for your business. Being aware of the challenges associated with outdoor dining will ensure you keep your customers happy for years.

Article References

Epos Now (2023) What is dining Al Fresco?, Epos Now, accessed 19 July 2024.
Menu Tiger (2024) Al Fresco Dining Ideas for Restaurants and Cafes, Menu Tiger, accessed 25 July 2024.
Rainbow Shade (2023) 5 Ways A Shade Sail Can Benefit Your Restaurant, Rainbow Shade, accessed 19 July 2024.

Feature Image: Retractable Wave Shade Sail installed by Sunshine Coast Shade Sails at Mooloolaba Wharf

Image 2: Shade Sail installed by Sunshine Coast Shade Sails at Kenilworth Bakery