One of the greatest money making restaurant trends is outside dining. Everyone loves to dine on the patio and enjoy the warm summer breeze. So patio dining ideas are restaurant trends that are worth looking into. Here are some of our favorite ideas.
1. Mix Textures
Hand-hammered metal paired with warm wood or quirky accents like melamine “terra cotta” pots can make your patio shine. Perfect for small plates, apps and other seasonal favorites, there are lots of new clever serveware pieces that can make all the difference between a $7 and a $9 plate!
2. Go Melamine
Patios are subjected to the elements, which means that an unexpected gust of wind or hailstorm (it happens!) may suddenly sweep through your dining space and wreak havoc to your table settings. Spare yourself the mess (and expense) of broken glass and chinaware by equipping your patio with virtually indestructible melamine. Featured in a variety of realistic materials like stone, wood, and even passing convincingly for glass and china, today’s melamine is a stylish update to your patio. Bonus—it’s also dishwasher safe!
3. Durable Seating
If you think that indoor restaurant furniture takes a beating, put it outside. Not only does your furniture need to stand up to the daily wear and tear of diners, but it is also subjected to the elements like rain and the scorching sun which can fade and break down materials. Take care to shop commercial-grade furniture designed for the outdoors from retailers like Grosfillex, whose materials and construction guarantee that your furniture will last season after season.
4. Umbrellas—A Lot of Them.
Umbrellas serve a dual purpose, with the obvious one being shade. The sun can be brutal, particularly during those hot, dry days in the middle of summer. Equip your patio with plenty of umbrellas that shade diners from the sun and give them a reprieve from the heat. Umbrellas are also a great way to let people know that you’re open for business, perfect for tourists and others new to the area who haven’t visited you before.
5. Water Carafes
Keeping water glasses full during hot summer days are even more challenging when you’re schlepping further from the kitchen to the diners. Chilled water carafes are a great way to keep water on hand for thirsty guests without having to visit their table every 10 minutes.