Patio Season Prep: What You Need to Know
As warmer weather approaches, patio season offers restaurants a valuable opportunity to boost guest traffic and increase revenue. A well-prepared outdoor dining space not only enhances the guest experience but can also drive greater efficiency and profitability. Here’s how to get your patio ready for a strong and successful season.
Furnishing for Comfort and Durability
Start with the basics: durable, comfortable furniture built to withstand the wear and tear of a busy patio. While residential-grade pieces may look appealing, they often fall short in performance. Commercial-grade furniture is designed specifically for hospitality providing both longevity and style that guests appreciate.
Be Weather-Ready
Canadian summers can be unpredictable. Wind, rain, or cooler evenings shouldn’t shut down your patio. Investing in weather-resistant solutions like umbrellas, wind barriers, and outdoor heaters helps extend your service hours and improve guest comfort. Preparing for changing conditions means more operational flexibility and fewer missed revenue opportunities.
Add Energy with Outdoor Cooking
Grilled specials or a live cooking station can turn a standard patio service into an experience. Whether you’re adding a barbecue feature or building out a mobile kitchen setup, outdoor cooking creates energy that draws attention and customers. It’s also a great way to highlight seasonal ingredients and showcase chef creativity.
Maintain Cleanliness & Control Pests
Cleanliness is always critical, but it becomes even more important outdoors. Managing waste, preventing pests, and keeping surfaces sanitized requires proactive planning. This is where trusted providers like Abell Pest Control, part of Foodbuy’s supplier network, offer value. Their commercial pest management programs help ensure your patio stays clean, safe, and welcoming.
A successful patio season starts with preparation. From outfitting your space and improving operational efficiency to enhancing your menu and maintaining safety standards, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.