Outdoor dining is the rage, especially given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that means a big opportunity for food truck operators. Here is insight on how to make that outdoor dining patio a successful endeavor.
Whether you live in warmth all year long or you're looking to take advantage of the summer sunshine, food truck operators should consider transforming unused or wintry outdoor space into a profitable patio destination.
Outdoor dining areas range from simple sidewalk space to lavish setups in park areas. To make the most of the beautiful weather, you can learn how to build a patio bar or revamp your current patio to provide food truck guests with outdoor dining options.
Take into account the following restaurant patio ideas and considerations to transform your space into a profitable addition for your bar or cafe.
Patio laws and regulations
Before you begin designing your food truck patio destination, it's imperative you take into consideration any local, state, or federal regulations regarding patios. Since permits and guidelines can vary by state or county, be sure to get in contact with your local township to learn what permits you must receive before you begin service.
Here are a few regulatory issues to learn more about when opening your patio:
• Can you make your outdoor patio dog-friendly?
• Is smoking allowed?
• Can you serve alcohol or offer guests BYOB service?
• What permits do you need to add electric and plumbing to your outdoor patio?
• What are the noise ordinances in your area?
Outdoor dining during coronavirus
If you're starting to reopen your food truck after the coronavirus quarantine, using outdoor space can be a great way to get your customers back to your business. Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction about their outdoor dining rules and permits before you create an outdoor patio dining area if you're using public or private areas for operation.
Here are some ways cities are adapting to aid their local businesses in their reopening efforts, while keeping customers 6 feet apart:
• Expediting or waiving outdoor dining permits and sidewalk licensing fees.
• Allowing businesses to convert parking lots, full sidewalks, and even streets into dining spaces so tables can be spaced 6 feet apart.
• Closing streets to vehicle traffic so pedestrians have more walking space away from outdoor dining patios.
• Relaxing liquor laws and allowing for alcohol to be served and consumed beyond a business' property line.
• Allowing for tents and canopies to be set up in parking lots and over sidewalk spaces.
• Allowing for barriers to be added to separate diners from pedestrians.
While COVID-19 is still a threat, here are some ways you can keep your customers and staff safe while they are using your patio:
• Section off the area to separate the space from passing pedestrians.
• Position tables 6 feet apart.
• Provide your staff with PPE supplies.
• Stock up on coronavirus supplies to keep your space clean and staff protected.
• Use paper menus and disposables.
• Offer clear directions to bathrooms and hand-wash stations that customers can use while they dine.
• Sanitize tables between each diner.
Designing a patio layout
While patios are perfect for outdoor dining, take into account everything you want to include before you begin buying furniture. You can use this space strictly for seating and dining. Or, get creative with additions designed to make an inviting and interactive atmosphere.
While adding atmospheric elements to your patio reduces the amount of people you can seat, it can create a memorable experience guests will want to visit often. A smaller seating section also creates exclusivity. This can build demand and excite guests looking to enjoy the warm weather outdoors.
Prepare for inclement weather
Nowhere is immune to inclement weather. Here are a few tips to prepare your patio for weather that may not be conducive to outdoor dining:
• Stay vigilant with wiping down tables and chairs right after a rainstorm.
• Equip your patio with heaters for chilly summer nights or to extend your outdoor dining season.
• Offer shade by using umbrellas or deck covers.
The weather can be difficult to predict in the spring and summer months, so if you're offering outdoor seating, you should be prepared for every situation.
Prevent pests from invading patio space
Similar to inclement weather, pests are inevitable. It's important to prevent, prepare, and react quickly to avoid dangerous or unsanitary situations. Common outdoor pests include birds, flying insects, gnats, squirrels, and even stray or wild animals.
Bugs are attracted to sugars and sweets, which can make your outdoor bar especially susceptible to an invasion. Stay diligent with your cleaning routine when it comes to spilled drinks or ingredients. Animals may be attracted to the smell of food, whether it's being cooked outside or simply served to a guest. They may start encroaching on your dining area in hopes of finding food scraps or trash. Be quick to clear away uneaten food after guests have gone and sweep the floors for fallen debris.
Choosing patio furniture and decor
Use furniture, shading, and lighting to capture the ambiance of your food truck patio design.
Here are a few tips for creating the right atmosphere for your patio:
• Keep your patio dining area away from crowded areas to create a quieter, more intimate setting.
• Attract customers from the street with brightly colored flowers, canopies, and other visible decor.
• Make your patio noticeable at night with stringed lights or lighted signage.
• Ensure the ground is level or choose furniture to compensate for slight variations.
Advertise your patio space
Your patio space is only profitable if you can get people to come and enjoy it. Right before warm weather hits your area, start to ramp up your marketing online and in person to get customers excited about your outdoor space. One of the easiest ways to advertise your patio is to attract diners with an outdoor sign. If your patio is next to the street or on the sidewalk, it'll be easier to draw in customer attention with signs and decorations.
If you plan it right, an outdoor food truck space can bring in new customers during the warmer months. Remember to give guests a fun, comfortable atmosphere, and pair it with delicious food and drinks. The combination will keep customers coming back all summer long.
Richard Traylor graduated from Temple University in the winter of 2014 with a degree in Strategic Communications. After graduating, he taught English in South Korea for two years, during which he was fortunate enough to travel and see the world. In October 2016, he returned home and started to work in SEO Content at Webstaurant Store.This blog previously ran on Webstaurant Store.
