Not too long ago, the majority of restaurant patios were pretty basic. All they needed were a few tables and possibly some umbrellas. Now, things are different. Clients definitely care where they sit. Dinner is completely transformed by a well-designed outside arrangement. When they are comfortable, people stay longer, especially at night when the lighting is appropriate and the area feels laid back rather than busy. Because patrons notice outside dining right away, because of this, businesses have been making more of an effort to offer it lately.
At Signature Outdoor Living, we’ve talked with restaurant owners who said their patio used to sit half empty even when it’s a beautiful day. Usually, the space just didn’t feel finished. Once an Azenco pergola was added, people naturally started choosing those tables first. Honestly, that happens a lot. Guests like having shade during the day, and they also like feeling protected without being fully indoors. It gives the restaurant a more upscale feeling without needing to completely remodel the property.
The business side matters too, obviously. More seating usually means more sales during busy weekends and dinner hours. One owner told us the outdoor tables started turning over faster than some of the indoor ones once the patio was upgraded. People walking by could actually see the space better from the street, which brought more attention to the restaurant itself. That’s something a lot of businesses don’t think about at first. A great-looking patio almost works like advertising without trying.
The weather is usually the biggest problem, especially around New England. Once the colder air shows up, a lot of restaurants stop using their patios altogether. That’s where Progressive retractable screens have made a huge difference for many places. The screens help cut down the wind and make the area feel warmer almost right away. Add Infratech heaters and suddenly, customers are still eating outside in months when the patio normally would’ve been empty. For restaurants, keeping those extra tables available longer into the year can really help.
Some of the smaller features end up making the biggest difference for guests. Ceiling fans help during hot summer days when the air feels heavy. Integrated lighting completely changes the atmosphere at night. Rather than being extremely bright, it feels cozier and more welcoming. Another feature that owners come to love is smart controls, which allow employees to instantly modify screens, lighting, or pergola settings based on the weather without having to go about attempting to change everything by hand.
At the end of the day, people remember places that feel good to be in. Food matters, of course, but atmosphere matters too. A comfortable outdoor dining space gives customers another reason to come back, especially when it feels different from every other restaurant nearby. We’ve seen patios go from ignored spaces to the most requested seating in the building. That’s why more restaurants are starting to look at outdoor living as an actual investment instead of just an extra feature. If you’re ready to turn your older patio into an exciting and well-used outdoor space, contact Signature Outdoor Living now!
