Outdoor Dining is also known as Al Fresco dining. It comes from an Italian term that translates to in the open air. Outdoor dining can add huge value to restaurants and cafes. Outdoor dining is popular in places where the temperature is warmer and even more so in the summer, spring, and autumn months of the year. The style is festive, yet casual and has a party-like atmosphere. You can offer outdoor dining, once you have an outdoor seating area. Outdoor dining can help your restaurant increase in value and give customers another choice for their dining experience. Dining outdoors also allows you to expand your customer capacity in which you can serve. Here are some of the pros and cons of outdoor dining.  

The Pros of Outdoor Dining  

Increase in Revenue

Diners will be attracted to a restaurant with a seating area in the great outdoors. The more customers you have equals more profit for your business. Training your staff on the basics of quality and upselling customer service can help increase your restaurant’s earning potential. Some customers are happy with the lovely views outside and will enjoy eating with their family and friends. It is also recommended to take into consideration putting in place service charge, and only bill 8 or larger party members. This is a very common practice in the foodservice industry. A service charge is considered as more profit for your business.  

Extra Customer Seating 

Customers will love to have the choice of both outdoor and indoor dining, giving a restaurant extra capacity to accommodate more customers at one time. Special events such as engagement parties, birthday parties, and so on can be held in an outdoor space. The increased seating capacity allows you to accommodate seating quicker than usual without dealing with the long waiting list for incoming diners that don’t have somewhere to sit. This gives you a potential opportunity to secure more revenue. If your customers are waiting a long time to be seated, then they will probably leave your restaurant and go somewhere else.  

It Offers a Refreshing and New Experience

Occasionally, you want to embrace and get into the groove of the city or town vibes. Both tourists and locals can enjoy a unique gastronomic experience. With outdoor dining, you can step outside your home and sit and eat at your favourite restaurant for a great refreshing and new experience.  

Gives your Business Free Advertising

Outdoor dining is also free advertising for your business. When people see customers dine in your restaurant outdoors, your company will thrive with the idea people are enjoying your food and a fun atmosphere. Once you provide great food and a nice atmosphere, then people will become familiar with your business, and it will be the first place they go to for food. Having your restaurant located in a high traffic area will encourage and attract people walking by who may hungry, even more so if your setup outdoors is designed uniquely, the food tastes, looks, and smells delicious to eat. It is important to make every customer experience enjoyable by providing proper shading and all staff should be trained to ensure everything runs smoothly for the perfect dining experience.  

Stronger Business Brand

Having seating outdoors at your premises can help grow and build your business brand. Wherever you are located, it will help create a completely different eating experience than dining indoors. If your establishment is located beside a beach, you could plan and design an amazing beach vibe restaurant adding props to your outdoor dining area.  

Enhanced Atmosphere

Eating outdoors provides its own ambiance and some great views. When the sun is shining and the weather is great, diners will enjoy being outside and it will feel way more relaxed. Your outdoor dining space comes together through the style and décor, how you have your chairs and tables placed all complimenting each other. Your dining experience can be completely different from someone else’s once you make it unique. Your guests’ comfort should always be a priority. The fun atmosphere in your restaurant will encourage more beer, wine, and spirits to be consumed which means a higher profit and revenue for your establishment.  

The Cons of Outdoor Dining

The Weather

Many people choose to eat indoors as the weather may not be favourable, that is the biggest con with outdoor dining. The weather is an unpredictable factor so if it rains and the weather is not permitting or maybe cold people will not want to sit outdoors, therefore losing you some business. Customers will start to get impatient, and your waiting times will be longer. Design your outdoor seating area to be weatherproof and comfortable for your customers with retractable umbrellas.  

Increases the level of Maintenance

Outdoor dining will require a lot more maintenance throughout your restaurant from your workers. Your worker’s time will be split between both outdoors and indoors. All outdoor space must be kept presentable and clean, so it is not only wiping down the tables but also maintaining the ground and landscaping areas of your premise. First impressions count with outdoor areas. If your establishment isn’t presentable people may not dine with you losing you revenue for your business. You may also need additional equipment for maintaining an outdoor area.  

Requires an Investment  

A new restaurant outdoor dining area will cost money and an initial investment depending on the location, design, and size. In addition, you will need to buy chairs, tables, and outdoor accessories to enhance and give your outdoor space that perfect look and feel.  

May Require an Additional Permit

Some outdoor dining spaces and locations will require you to attain a permit for your business. If you are limited to staff, then this can cause hassle for your restaurant. It is recommended that your outdoor dining area receives a permit prior to opening your restaurant. Health inspections may also be required.  

How to Make the most out of your Outdoor Space

• Provide cool and heat temperatures when needed  
• Situate your outdoor space to take advantage of the outdoor scenery and the beautiful views  
• Keep the space tidy and spotlessly clean  
• Always have enough staff members working  

Some people love outdoor dining, some may like less formal street food, while others may not like it at all, it really all comes down to personal preference. Seating in the outdoors is a worthwhile investment for many restaurant and café owners. It helps to increase the seating capacity for customers to have a pleasant dining experience and is also a great way to expand your business long term. Like many business moves, you must always consider whether it will disrupt or improve your business. It is a great market strategy that can improve your business by making your brand stronger and increasing your revenue. Be sure to add atmosphere and some shade for the total experience. You will soon be reaping the rewards of al fresco dining. Always consider your budget to work out every cost separately.