The global situation certainly motivated restaurateurs to find an outdoor dining solution quickly. In the last couple of years, many restaurants built new outdoor seating configurations, and covered existing open-air seating, so that they could continue to serve their customers in safety and comfort.
We know this thanks to the 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry Report by the National Restaurant Association. The data shows that 62% of fine dining operators, and 56% of casual dining operators, dedicated more resources to the development and expansion of open-air seating since the start of the pandemic.
The restaurant industry evolves endlessly because restaurant owners across the globe understand that, in order to succeed, they must always be improving. That’s why those that keep their finger on the pulse know that covered open-air restaurant seating is in high demand.
+30%: Boosting Sales with Covered Outdoor Restaurant Seating
With annual sales reaching nearly $890 billion, this industry is a powerful force in the economy. As such, there are over 1 million restaurants in the United States alone that are challenged with outshining their competitors and bolstering revenues.
Competition is exceptionally steep in the restaurant industry, which means that finding, gaining, and maintaining a competitive edge is critical for keeping your business on its feet. So, how do you, as a restaurant owner, differentiate your brand and capitalize on it enough to grow your business?
According to a business analysis conducted by Vucurevich Simons Advisory Group (VSAG), the answer is simple: open-air seating. With an initial investment of $200,000, they forecasted that “seasonal use return could result in [$500,000] in sales,” meaning an increase of 30%!
Maximize Your Seating Capacity with Retractable Patio Enclosures
The NRA report above also reveals that 85% of consumers would consider choosing to sit at an outdoor table if they return. Therefore, the solution may be as simple as increasing your dining space to make room for big profits in the year to come.
Meanwhile, there is also evidence that people want their dine-out options back. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, restaurant sales saw a sudden, sharp increase in March of 2021.
With this in mind, it becomes clear that open-air dining solutions are particularly advantageous. Safe dining options can become necessary at any time, but even as people become increasingly comfortable with dining indoors, the added capacity guarantees you’re prepared for escalated demand.
Open-Air Dining is a Simple Demand for You to Supply
Are you currently seating a sizable portion of your customers outside? If not, you’re really missing out on sales.
From understanding the varied preferences of your customers, to making the most of your restaurant space, maintaining a steady stream of sales is entirely achievable with the right plan. That’s why you need to pay close attention to your outdoor space.
Increasing capacity — and providing your guests with more choice — is as simple as installing a motorized pergola system. Not only does this boost sales and increase profits, but it also improves the overall value of your restaurant.
Outdoor Patio Pergolas are Elegant, Spacious, and Accommodating
A patio pergola with a roof empowers you to provide your customers with a multitude of settings to sit in, dine in, and perhaps most importantly, to enjoy. Best of all, with an abundance of options — from retractable patio covers & pergola covers to rotating bioclimatic roof systems – it isn’t difficult, time-consuming, or resource-intensive to find the perfect fit for the personality of your restaurant.
Find the Best Covered Outdoor Seating at Awning for Patio
Running a restaurant is not a low-anxiety responsibility, and maintaining healthy profits is even more stressful. However, if you are gutsy enough to tackle the food-service industry, then making simple changes to transform and enhance your restaurant space is an easy choice.
At Awnings for Patio, we provide unparalleled quality, service, and dependability to our friends in the restaurant business. We respect the passion and intuition it takes to be a leader in your industry, and we bring the same to our market.
Grow your profits with an amazing, retractable awning from Awning for Patio. For more ideas on how to enhance your restaurant to boost sales, reach out to our team today.