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Of all the details that go into creating a successful outdoor dining space—health, safety and cleanliness should definitely be at the top of your list. The cleanliness of a space is usually the first thing that customers notice, and first impressions can go a very long way.
To help you prepare your space, we compiled some information on our suggested cleaning supplies, helpful tips, top messes to look out for, and even some FAQ's on outdoor dining to ensure your space is safe, clean and successful.
As you're creating an outdoor dining space, you also need to consider more than just fire safety. Depending on how close the space is located to roadways and sidewalks, you may need to add an extra layer of protection to prevent patrons from getting hurt.
For businesses in the city, outdoor spaces are typically along the side of the road. This means there are frequently people passing by on both bicycles and cars. And sometimes, accidents happen that lead to people crashing into the space where patrons are dining. To prevent this, it would be wise to set up some sort of barrier that would potentially stop someone from barreling into your business.
Fencing could work to keep bicyclists from crossing into your dining area. It may even be helpful to add lights or reflectors to your fence so it's more visible at nighttime. When it comes to cars, fencing isn't going to help, so you'll want something more substantial. Consider adding a brick or concrete wall as a barrier. While it won't stop cars entirely, it does add an extra layer of protection.
Cleaning supplies are essential for all foodservice facilities. Staff should be sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming floors. They should be disinfecting dining tables and seats, as well as the kitchen and bathrooms. Nothing is more important than the safety of the staff and customers.
However, when incorporating an outdoor dining space into your facility’s footprint, there are some other messes you’ll find yourself cleaning up. And it just might require a few extra cleaning products. Here’s why they’ll come in handy:
Bird Droppings
Dogs
Dirt and Dust
Let's wrap up our outdoor dining guide with a few frequently asked questions that will prepare you for creating or expanding your dining area.
Absolutely! If you have the room to create an outdoor dining area for patrons, it can be a great way to attract extra income. When the weather is nice, many people will pick a restaurant simply because of its outdoor seating. Plus, it gives you the ability to host more tables during a single shift. Just make sure it's some thing your kitchen staff and wait staff can handle.
Choose comfortable, yet stylish, furniture that will make guests want to stay for a while. Hang lights to turn on as the sun sets or add lanterns throughout the space to create a more romantic vibe. Play music through speakers or have live music to get everyone feeling good. And make sure you take care of your guests by ensuring they're comfortable no matter the weather!
If you really want to make your outdoor dining area more enticing, consider creating an outdoor-only menu. This is something many restaurants have done to help streamline operations. With a simpler menu, patrons will spend less time mulling over what to order and more time enjoying themselves. Use this as an opportunity to promote menu items that offer high margins. Be sure to advertise on your website and social media that you have an outdoor menu, so they know what to expect before arriving.
View the rest of our research, industry insights, and tips to really make your space shine.
View the rest of our research, industry insights, and tips to really make your space shine.
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