How to make your restaurant’s outdoor dining space competitive

Patio season is upon us and the pent up demand for happy hours and brunches is undeniable. If there was ever a year to freshen up your outdoor space, this is it. When a group is deciding which restaurant patio to try out for dinner, give them a reason to choose yours.

Here are our top tips to make your outdoor space more competitive.

Start with the basics: Is it time for new furniture?

Take a good look at your patio furniture. Does it match the aesthetic you have going inside your restaurant? Is it inviting? Modern? Your outdoor seating should be an extension of your brand.

Your patio furniture set up may only need a quick wash and maybe an accent piece or two. But if you’re looking to rethink your patio chairs and patio tables completely, we have plenty of outdoor furniture options at TundraFMP. And don’t forget about umbrellas for patios to give your guests some much-appreciated shade or shelter.

Add an herb garden

Going garden-to-table is easier than you think. Start an herb garden with fresh basil, parsley, and anything else you already use or can easily add to your dishes. And make sure customers know these house-grown herbs are actually being used in your kitchen. You can call it out in menu descriptions, put a sign over the garden, and label each planted herb. Your little garden doesn’t have to take up much space either; just use rail planters.

Games, kids zones, and other unique recreation

Live music is nice, but not very original. Plus trying to talk over loud music doesn’t make for easy conversation between your guests, or between your servers and your guests. Why not add something more interactive, like a ping pong table or bean bag toss?

Or if you’re going for a family friendly atmosphere – where the parents and kids can both enjoy themselves – you could create a small kids area. Picture a small playground surface made of rubber tiles or recycled tires to give them a soft, safe area to play, with some talk tubes or steering wheels sticking out. Or even just add some child-sized furniture or a miniature bean bag toss.

Of course you’ll have to keep safety in mind with any recreational option you choose, but it just might be the thing that will make a party choose your patio over the one down the street.

Liven up the decor (think living walls)

You have the string lights. You have the conversation-starter lounge chairs, centerpieces, or chalkboard sign. But what else can you do to enhance your outdoor patio decor?

Well a big part of eating outdoors is getting to enjoy the outdoors, including beautiful greenery. And the plant trend is huge right now. Think about how you could cover patio fencing or entire walls with ferns, shrubs, grasses, or other flowing plants. You could even call in a professional service to help you design it and set it up. A patio full of thoughtfully placed plants has a lot of curb appeal.

Bring the cooking outside!

At least some of it. A grill, a pizza oven, a sushi bar, a fresh-made salsa or avocado bar. Or a frozen drink station – cocktails for the adults, elevated snow cones for the kids. Whatever suits your restaurant. Just make sure it’s a natural fit and doesn’t require too much extra work, staff, or equipment. And if you want to go even simpler, old-timely popcorn machines are always a hit.

People love outdoor dining. Add some extra touches to make your outdoor dining area stand out this year. It’s worth it.