Why Winterizing Your Restaurant Tent Matters
Most restaurants lose around 30-40% of their total seating capacity in the winter because they do not have the infrastructure for outdoor seating in the winter weather. That means most restaurants leave revenue on the table because of unusable outdoor seating. Why lose revenue during the winter holiday season or lose your regular customer base because you do not have outdoor seating? There are ways to avoid this problem without investing in something overtly extravagant. Here are some reasons to consider tent rentals for your outdoor dining.
Benefits of Outdoor Dining During Winter
Expanding Seating Capacity
One of the biggest advantages of outdoor seating is that it allows you to accommodate more customers. When you use outdoor seating, more space for your customers and reduce wait times, which is very helpful during the busy season or when indoor seating is limited.
Supporting Year-Round Revenue
Another added benefit is that there are large segments of the population that enjoy outdoor seating year-round. Having outdoor seating allows customers to enjoy fresh air and surrounding areas, such as the busy city street or small garden near your venue.
Creating a Seasonal Dining Experience
Having outdoor seating year-round allows you to capitalize on different events, holidays, and special occasions. For instance, you can capitalize on expanded seating for Christmas and New Year’s, and it allows you to create a winter aesthetic throughout your venue.
Improving Guest Comfort
Outdoor seating also allows you to improve guest comfort. Some cities do not allow customers to bring their pets indoors. But many cities allow pets if they can sit outside, and having outdoor seating allows you to have accessible spaces for those who like to dine with their pets.
Key Considerations Before Winterizing a Restaurant Tent
While winterizing your restaurant has its benefits, there are some things that you should also consider:
- Climate: One of your biggest challenges will be your climate and location. So while it is possible to have outdoor seating in Buffalo, New York in the middle of the winter, there will be obstacles, such as snow and heating, that you should factor into your decision.
- Cost: Another factor will be the added cost. This includes having tents, but also heating, and other associated costs. If your restaurant is struggling with slim profits, now might be the ideal time to make a major investment in outdoor seating.
- Space: Before thinking about winterizing your restaurant, you also need to consider how much space you can actually work with. This includes what restrictions you have and who may own space around you.
- Local Rules and Regulations: Lastly, check local laws and regulations to find out what your options are. In some cases, you may need to obtain new permits or licenses to operate outdoors or apply to have heaters in outdoor dining areas.
Choose the Right Tent or Enclosure for Winter Dining
It is important to consider what tent or enclosure works best for you. There should be enough space for your customers to be seated comfortably, while also leaving an ample amount of space for movement. You should also consider the size of your tent when thinking about table arrangements, potential walkways, or any other way that you might optimize the dining experience in your venue.
Add Heating for Guest Comfort
Your guests want to stay warm, and it is essential to have heating in these outdoor areas. This is especially important in colder climates, where heating is a necessity. To keep these areas heated, you should consider the costs of adding heaters as well as heater placement, so you have uniform heating for the entire dining area.
Control Wind, Rain, and Cold Air
In addition to cover, you also have to consider controlling for wind, rain, and cold air. You may have potential trip hazards if you do not account for rain, while both wind and cold air may impact your staff and customers’ safety.
Prepare Flooring and Walkways
Another way to prepare your restaurant for rain and snow is to have non-slip mats or rug runners placed in front of every entrance and exit. If you live in snowy areas, you should keep in mind the costs and responsibilities for clearing snow in these outdoor areas as well.
Make the Restaurant Tent Comfortable and Inviting
Blankets, Wraps, and Cushions
You may want to invest in cushions and comfy lounge seating to deal with changing weather conditions.
Seasonal Décor
Adding things like extra lighting allows your guests to enjoy the ambiance of your venue, even if the weather is not ideal, and has the added benefit of moving around without tripping.
Warm Menu Items
You can maximize the winter experience by adjusting the menu to complement the winter weather.
Comfortable Seating Arrangements
Choose furniture that is fit for your climate and allows for easy movement. For instance, consider wood furniture as opposed to metal.
Winter Tent Safety Tips
Fire Safety
You should reduce or monitor open flames if you intend on using candles for lighting on tables.
Heater Safety
Have an HVAC technician check heaters before the winter season.
Snow Load and Weather Monitoring
Keep an eye out for snow maintenance, and more generally, whether storms will pass through during dining hours.
Emergency Exits
Make sure that there is enough space for customers and staff to access emergency exits if needed.
Regular Inspections
You should keep up with regular inspections to prevent cold weather hazards.
Get Help Winterizing Your Restaurant Tent
All Occasions Tents provides a flexible and cost-effective way to winterize your restaurant. We offer a wide range of reliable structures to cover your venue’s needs during the winter months or any part of the year.
All Occasions Tents is an industry leader in tent rentals for restaurants, and we can ensure that your customers and employees get the protection they need. AOT structures are made from the highest quality materials, and you can be assured that you will get exactly what you need for a comfortable dining experience.