Outdoor Dining

Why Outdoor Dining

Across the country, restaurants are exploring ways to bring food and drink beyond their walls and onto patios, porches, and even parking lots. Offering outdoor dining spaces gives guests more choice in their dining experience. A bustling and energetic indoor atmosphere makes a fun date night, but a large group get-together might be better suited to an outdoor space where it’s easier to spread out and enjoy conversation. Some guests simply prefer to be outside people-watching or enjoying the weather on a gorgeous day.

There are also some practical, business reasons to invest in outdoor dining. Transforming an underutilized porch area, for example, can boost profits. Every restaurant reaches capacity at a certain point. Outdoor spaces offer extra space to serve even more guests.

Weatherize Your Space

Many regions of the country allow for year-round or nearly year-round outdoor dining. The right equipment is key to keeping guests comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Our weather-tough canopy tents help make the transition from season to season seamless. In the warmer months, you can count on UV-resistant fabric roofs to provide reliable shade. Depending on the climate, adding fans can also keep the temperature down beneath the shelter.

Rainy weather and even wind are not a problem for our wind-resistant, 100% waterproof tents. Our clever roof designs limit water pooling. Plus, our rain gutter accessories prevent rain from dripping through the cracks between your canopy tent and an adjacent wall or another tent.

In cooler temperatures, accessorizing your tent with fabric sidewalls helps keep the warmth in and the icy air out. You can choose from full-closure sidewalls or one of our windowed varieties. These allow natural light through rectangular or arched clear PVC windows. Adding a heater or two beneath your tent can make outdoor dining even cozier in the fall and winter.

Choose the Right Tent Size 

Finding the right tent size makes all the difference for a pleasant outdoor dining experience. For the most shelter, consider choosing a large tent, like our 10x20ft tent, that stretches across your entire patio, porch, or outdoor dining space.

Based on the layout of your space, a multi-tent system might provide the best coverage. For example, a few 10x5ft tents positioned side-by-side offer an ideal solution for long, narrow spaces. Accessories like our rain gutters and sidewalls help make a grouping of tents feel like one cohesive unit.

You can also offer a mix of sunny and shaded dining by opting for one or more smaller tents. On a large balcony with a beautiful view, a few scattered 10x10ft tents create natural gathering spaces, while still preserving the view. Likewise, small tents, like our 5x5 ft tents, or even a pavilion make visible and practical point-of-sale areas for outdoor dining.

Select On-Brand Decor

In many cases, outdoor dining spaces are visible from the road. An inviting patio can draw in passersby who have never stepped inside your establishment. So, it’s important to consider what your outdoor equipment conveys about your brewery, restaurant, or wine bar. Like the cover of a book, it should tell your viewers something compelling about what to expect from their dining experience. 

Ideally, your interior design and exterior decor should feel completely compatible. The best restaurants use colors, lighting, and design details to create cohesion. When considering color options, try choosing a canopy tent in your brand colors or a shade that blends seamlessly with your building. Custom printing can also capture attention or serve as additional signage for your outdoor dining space. 

Lighting is a key part of setting the tone. String lights or dimmable LED lighting bars add a romantic touch. Alternatively, windowed tent sidewalls allow natural light in and keep out the wind and cold.

Other tent details, from the shape of the roof peak to the edging on the valance, can also be customized according to your vision. A scalloped valance or corner curtain says sophistication. Thoughtfully selected plants add life and vibrance. Ultimately, your outdoor dining space shouldn’t feel like a second choice to your indoor seating, but a curated space for a memorable time.

Invest in Outdoor Furniture

For the perfect meal al fresco, the right furniture setup matters. Outdoor dining areas require a bit more flexibility than indoor arrangements. Opt for something mobile, yet sturdy—like RUKU1952 beer garden sets. This will allow you to rearrange seating as needed without sacrificing your guests’ comfort. 

And, speaking of comfort, outdoor furniture doesn’t have to mean lawn chairs. Outdoor seating and tables can still be comfortable. Depending on the dining experience you’re after, consider back support, leg space, and enough table space for all the dishes to fit comfortably. A brewery-style setup might lean more casual and informal, with stools, benches, or standing-height tables for standing. But, a multi-course meal lends itself to a more substantial seating option. 

Also, be sure to consider storage logistics, especially if you plan to close your outdoor dining space for part of the year. Search for chairs or tables that stow compactly. Whether you plan to put away your items in the off-season or just keep a few extras on hand, having outdoor furniture that stores easily is always a good idea. RUKU1952 tables and benches, for instance, are foldable, stackable, and weather-resistant. They also come in many different colors, styles, and sizes.

Don't Neglect Safety and Other Regulations

Part of hospitality is prioritizing the safety of your guests. Inside, that might include regularly checking the security systems and smoke alarms or removing tripping hazards, like cords and mats. Similarly, safety outside requires properly securing your canopy tent and considering fire-safe materials, traffic flow, and emergency procedures. 

The safest securing method will depend in part on the ground material, like grass, concrete, or brick. Possible solutions include concrete ballasts, low-profile stackable base weights, or pegs and tensioning straps. If you’re not sure which approach makes the most sense for your location, our Product Experts can help. 

Just as you would for an indoor dining room, it’s important to consider emergency procedures. Make sure there’s enough space around seating areas for wait staff and guests to move freely or exit quickly in an emergency. Tight, cramped areas without clear walking paths lead to accidents. 

Also, be careful to choose non-flammable equipment and materials. Some events and cities require proof of fire certifications. Our canopy tents are fire-rated, giving you peace of mind and compliance with fire safety standards. 

Before you open your outdoor dining space, also be sure to check on any local regulations. Some municipalities require permits for semi-permanent structures, like canopy tents. If you plan to host guests in a public space, such as on the sidewalk, don’t forget to obtain any necessary permissions first. 

Summary: Planning for Outdoor Dining Success

A meal shared with friends around an outdoor table can be spectacular. For restaurants and breweries, offering outdoor dining space has some appealing business benefits too, like attracting new guests and increasing capacity. Creating a special, fun, or celebratory outdoor dining experience, however, does require some forethought. 

Consider ways to optimize your tent for local weather conditions in each season with tent accessories like sidewalls and the addition of fans or heaters. Likewise, choose a tent size that provides the right amount of shelter from the weather. Don’t leave elements like outdoor furniture and decor as an afterthought. Instead, look for options that set the tone you’re trying to establish. And finally, check with local authorities about any relevant permits and think through emergency procedures in advance. 

From finding just the right tent accessories and seating to calculating which size canopy tent is right for your business, we’re here to support you through all your equipment decisions. Our Product Experts understand the unique challenges restaurants face when it comes to outdoor dining and how to position you for success. Reach out to start a conversation.