How To Create an Outdoor Restaurant Patio for the Autumn

There are few finer things in life than enjoying a delicious meal (and maybe a few drinks) out on a well-maintained restaurant patio. It’s even better as the leaves turn brown in the autumn, where everything feels a little cosier and lovely. 

With this being said, there are fewer things worse than having to endure a draughty, unmaintained patio. If a restaurant wants to offer patio seating, it simply can’t be a second thought. Providing a good outdoor atmosphere for your customers takes time and care. 

If you’re not sure where to start with your outdoor patio concept, this blog is for you. We’ll be looking at some of the benefits of having a restaurant patio, how to integrate one into your own business, and tips on how to create a space your customers will enjoy all autumn long. 

What are the benefits of an outdoor patio? 

A well-maintained and though-out patio adds a new dimension to your business. When the weather permits, a common refrain you might hear from your customers is “do you have a patio?” Serving this demographic will be a huge boost to your customer experience. 

Increase your profits 

Running a successful hospitality business depends on two things: incredible food and getting customers in seats. It goes without saying that the more properly placed seating you have in your restaurant, the more potential customers and profits your restaurant can generate. 

By opening up your patio, you’ll be able to serve a considerable number of extra diners. Depending on the size of your restaurant, you could significantly increase the amount of customers your restaurant could seat. 

Not only that, patios are the perfect place to host special birthday bookings, family events, and more. This opens up an entirely new revenue stream for the restaurant and will help build your reputation in the local community. 

Set your restaurant apart

Oftentimes, restaurants trade on their atmosphere. Unless they’re going to a fast food place, diners expect a little character from their restaurants. Patios can be a great way to add character to your restaurant and set it apart from other businesses in your area. 

Not every restaurant around you will have access to the space for a patio. For those that do, do some research and see what works and what doesn’t. Take these lessons back to your own patio and see how you can make yours the most attractive to customers in your area. 

How to integrate a patio into your restaurant

If your restaurant doesn’t have a patio but you’d like to incorporate one into your business, there are several steps you can take. First, you should approach a local contractor to see if you would have the space to accommodate a patio and get an initial quote. After that, you’ll need to notify your local government and get permission to start building. 

It’s important to ensure that you can afford building work and potential closures while the work is taking place. Do your research and consult with several contractors before you sign any contracts to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

How to create a great patio atmosphere

Getting your patio ready for diner takes a little time. We’ve compiled a list of tips you can use to create the perfect patio for autumn. 

Add a tent or screen 

While the autumn is sometimes mild, you can never be too careful that close to winter. Installing a specially designed tent or screen will help to keep your diners (and their meals) warmer when the weather unexpectedly turns. 

Patio heaters 

If you plan to keep your patio open into the evenings, patio heaters are the perfect solution to cooler autumn weather. There are a number of different models available so you’ll be able to find heaters that meet your exact needs. 

Build a fireplace

Can you think of a cosier image than eating a delicious meal while a fireplace burns happily away in the corner? If you have the space to safely build an open fireplace or pit, you’ll be able to create an unmatched outdoor atmosphere. 

With fireplaces and pits, you will need to take extra care that it’s placed in a safe location for your customer. You should also make sure to light it only on nights without a breeze. 

Offer live music 

When done correctly, live music can be a surefire way to attract customers to your restaurant. These live music nights can be turned into events that build community and give local musicians the chance to shine. Contact a local talent agency or research local musicians to find the best fit for your desired vibe. 

You should be aware that restaurants and other businesses often need special licenses or permits to put on live music. Be sure to check with local and national laws in your area to see what sort of permissions you’ll need. 

A perfect POS for the perfect patio

A new patio is sure to cause a stir in your local area. Make sure you’re ready for your new customers with the Epos Now Complete Solution. This innovative electronic point of sales (EPOS or POS) system comes with all you need to meet your customers' needs. 

If you’re interested in hearing more about Epos Now, get in touch with our expert team below.