If you’ve ever thought about adding outdoor seating to your restaurant, now is the perfect time. More people than ever want to dine outside, and it’s not just a seasonal trend—it’s something guests look for all year round. Whether you have a tiny sidewalk space or a large backyard, turning it into a comfortable patio can attract more customers and boost your sales.
In this blog, we’ll talk about why outdoor dining is a smart move, share some creative restaurant patio ideas, and explain how a good POS system can make managing outdoor seating for restaurants much easier.
Why Outdoor Seating is a Game-Changer
People love restaurants with outdoor seating. According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, nearly 70% of diners say that outdoor dining makes a restaurant more appealing. When the weather is nice, customers often pick places where they can enjoy their meal outside. Even a few extra tables on a sidewalk or patio can help you serve more guests without needing to expand indoors.
Another big benefit? Guests who dine outside tend to stay longer and order more. A relaxed, open-air setting encourages people to order extra drinks, appetizers, or desserts. Plus, a lively patio attracts walk-ins—people passing by who see others enjoying themselves are more likely to stop in.
If you’re in a city or a busy area, outdoor seating can also help you stand out from other restaurants. Many customers search for “outdoor seating restaurants” when deciding where to eat, so having a patio can bring in new business.
Restaurant Patio Ideas to Make Your Space Shine
You don’t need a huge budget to create a great outdoor dining area. With a little creativity, you can turn any space into a welcoming spot that guests will love.
1. Small Spaces? No Problem
If you have a small space in front of your restaurant, bistro-style tables and chairs work perfectly. Add string lights, lanterns, or small plants to make the space feel cozy. Even a few small touches can make a big difference.
2. Larger Patios? Create Zones
If you have a backyard, rooftop, or bigger patio space, you can divide it into different sections. A lounge area with sofas and low tables is great for guests who want to relax with drinks. For dining, use wooden dividers, tall plants, or decorative screens to give each table a bit of privacy.
3. Keep Guests Comfortable
Shade is non-negotiable because you don’t want your customers to sweat under the scorching sun. Umbrellas, pergolas, or retractable awnings help block the sun on hot days. If your restaurant stays open in cooler months, heaters or fire pits can keep guests warm.
4. Add Personality with Decor
Simple decorations can make your patio feel special. You can try colorful tablecloths or cushions, potted plants or small herb gardens, or rustic wooden signs or chalkboards
The goal is to make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your restaurant that is more comfortable, cozy, and inviting.
How a POS System Makes Managing Outdoor Dining Easy
More tables mean more orders, and handling them smoothly is key to keeping guests happy. A modern POS system helps you manage outdoor seating restaurants without stress.
1. Faster Orders & Payments
With a cloud-based POS, your customers can place orders through a QR code, and they will go straight to the kitchen. This will save a lot of time and they will get their orders faster. Your customers can also split checks or pay without waiting, which keeps things moving fast.
2. Track Tables & Wait Times
A good POS system shows you which tables are occupied and how long guests have been sitting. This helps you in increasing the table turnover rates. If you have both indoor and outdoor seating, then it becomes even more important for you to track tables.
3. Smart Inventory Management
When you have outdoor dining, certain items (like cold drinks or salads) might sell more. A POS system tracks what’s popular and alerts you when stock is low, so you never run out of what guests want.
4. Better Staff Coordination
If you have both indoor and outdoor seating, a POS system helps assign servers to different sections and track orders in real time. This keeps service smooth, even when you’re busy.
5. Table Layout Designing
The best part about a POS system is that you can design the table layouts based on your needs. You need to design your layout in such a way that it becomes easier for your staff to move around. They have to keep moving in between the indoor and outdoor seating, and for smoother movement, you can design the layout yourself.
FAQ: Common Questions About Outdoor Dining
Adding outdoor dining to your restaurant is one of the best ways to attract more guests and increase sales. With the right setup—whether it’s a small sidewalk café or a full patio—you can create a space that people love. With a smart POS system, managing everything becomes much easier.
So, why not give it a try? Your customers will enjoy the fresh air, and your restaurant will reap the benefits. Start planning your outdoor seating today!
