November 12, 2024
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Turn your average patio into a place people will specifically come to eat.
Outdoor dining has been incredibly popular in recent years. People don't just want to have the option to eat outside. They want an experience they'll remember.
Unfortunately…
Restaurant owners don't know where to start when it comes to making their patio functional and beautiful. There are so many options out there it can be difficult to know what to invest in and where to spend your money.
That's where commercial pergola covers come in.
They might be one of the best options for restaurant owners who want to create outdoor spaces that guests will return to time and time again.
Outdoor dining is here to stay. In fact, 70% of diners will wait longer at restaurants for the opportunity to sit outside.
That may not seem like a lot, but it is.
Restaurant-goers are craving dining establishments that offer outdoor seating. If there's an option to sit inside vs outside, many will wait it out. And that can mean lost revenue for restaurant owners without ample outdoor seating.
However…
Just throwing a few tables out on the lawn isn't going to cut it. People don't want to sit outside if they'll be beaten down by the sun from above. They want shade, but they don't want to feel trapped.
Commercial pergola covers are the perfect way to solve that issue.
By working with a trusted commercial pergola company restaurant owners can have access to covers that keep guests dry from rain and shaded from sun. Plus, since they're made with commercial use in mind, they can handle high traffic.
In fact, 62% of diners prefer a covered patio versus an uncovered one.
Pergola covers have numerous benefits for restaurants. Let's take a look at a few.
Traditional patio spaces are only really usable in certain seasons. When it's too hot or cold, guests avoid them. If it rains, they close them down.
Pergola covers allow restaurant owners to expand on their indoor seating capacity year-round. Retractable canopy pergolas. Motorized louver pergolas. Weatherproof pergola covers.
Don't limit your restaurant to certain seasons with outdoor seating. Let guests dine outside regardless of the weather with a commercial pergola cover.
When people go out to eat they're looking for an experience. They want an atmosphere.
It's been proven that ambiance is one of the top reasons people choose to dine at a restaurant over picking up food elsewhere. So why not give them something to talk about?
Think about it.
String lights added to the pergola cover. Plants that climb the beams. Fans to keep guests cool or heaters to keep them warm. The options are endless with commercial pergola covers.
Restaurant patios get lots of traffic. Not only do guests spend time and eat there. Employees use the spaces to drop off supplies. Staff tend to eat their meals there as well.
Commercial pergola covers are built different from those you'd find in a residential neighborhood. They can handle heavy traffic and intense wear.
The aluminum doesn't rust. The commercial-rated fabrics won't fade in the sun as fast.
Commercial buildings turn over layouts and furniture all the time. So when that happens, your commercial pergola can handle it.
Cover your restaurant's patio space with a pergola and you're not just bettering your chances at customers walking through the door. You're actually increasing your property value.
It's a permanent improvement to the building and can help improve the curb appeal of a space. It could even increase how much you can lease a building for.
Restaurant owners that own their building won't just benefit from increased yearly revenue. They can also bank on their resale value going up when it's time to sell.
When it comes time to pick your perfect pergola cover, there are some things you'll want to take into consideration.
Take measurements of the outdoor space you'll be working with. Where will guests sit? Where will employees walk through? Are there emergency exits? These are all things to consider when taking measurements.
Depending on the size of your patio, you may want multiple commercial pergolas. Not only does this create separation. It also allows you to add interest and dimension to your outdoor space.
If you live in a rainy area, waterproof is going to be your best bet. Some areas of the country have intense sun. That may require you to have UV blockers to keep guests cool.
Another thing to consider is wind. No one wants their patio furniture blowing over while they're trying to enjoy their dinner.
Make sure you look into wind ratings and get something that will hold up in your area.
There are a few different materials that commercial pergola covers come in.
Aluminum is my personal favourite since it's light-weight and extremely durable. Don't forget to take into consideration your climate when choosing a material as well. Are you in a cold-weather area? You'll want something that can handle snow loads.
You'll also want to pick a material that matches the aesthetic you're going for.
This is pretty self-explanatory, but today's pergola systems offer motorised options. From retractable roofs to adjustable louvers. There are plenty of conveniences that come with a motorized pergola cover.
One you choose, keep in mind manual covers require manual adjustments. But they are less expensive than motorised.
Alright, you got the perfect pergola cover. Now what?
You want your outdoor dining area to speak for itself.
Don't be afraid of lights when it comes to outdoor spaces. String lights around your pergola cover. Put some recessed lighting in the ceiling. Don't be afraid of using candles on tables.
Mix it up with multiple sources of light instead of one dark ceiling light.
Plants liven up any area, especially outdoor restaurants. Run some vines along the beams of your pergola. Place potted plants throughout your dining area. Or even add some color with hanging flower baskets!
Plants are a great way to create natural privacy between your dining guests.
If you live in an area where it can get hot outside, add some ceiling fans. Not only will they keep air circulating and your guests cool, but they also look great.
The same goes for places that get cold. Adding outdoor heaters will ensure that guests will use your patio space all season long.
Some pergola covers even come with built in heating options.
If you have a larger patio space, create areas. Maybe you want a casual lounge area. Or what about a more formal dining space? Or maybe you need a semi-private section for groups.
Restaurant owners should use their pergola covers to help create these zones.
Restaurant owners have the ability to provide their guests with memorable outdoor dining experiences with commercial pergola covers.
Not only do they provide shade, but they can help restaurant owners increase their seating capacity year-round. Plus there are so many benefits and options to choose from.
Just remember…
Outdoor dining is more popular than ever. Diners are specifically seeking out restaurants with outdoor seating. Don't limit yourself to certain seasons.
Restaurant owners want to create experiences that keep people coming back. Pergola covers allow you to do just that.
Outdoor dining is no longer just an option, it's a major attraction. Data shows that a majority of diners will wait longer for a table outside, and they specifically prefer covered patios. Creating a memorable outdoor experience can significantly increase your customer traffic and revenue.
Commercial pergolas offer far more than just shade. They provide a durable, all-weather solution that allows you to use your patio year-round, regardless of sun or rain. They also create a more sophisticated atmosphere, can handle the heavy traffic of a busy restaurant, and add permanent value to your property.
You should evaluate four key things: the size of your space to ensure proper flow for staff and guests, your local climate to choose features like waterproofing or high wind ratings, the material that best suits your restaurant's style and durability needs, and whether you prefer the convenience of a motorised system or the cost-effectiveness of a manual one.
Focus on the overall experience. Use layered lighting like string lights to create a warm ambience. Add plants and greenery to introduce colour and create natural privacy barriers. Finally, ensure you can control the temperature with fans for hot days and heaters for cooler evenings to keep your guests comfortable in any season.
