Owning a restaurant in the bustling streets of New York City is both challenging and rewarding in so many unique ways. If you have a bit of outdoor space, you might want to consider capitalizing on the high levels of foot traffic by offering patio dining. Al fresco dining is a smart move for restaurants because it’s essentially free advertising targeting passersby. However, you can’t just set up a couple of tables and call it good. Get it right with this guide to seamless patio service for restaurants in NYC.
Make Sure To Apply for Outdoor Dining
If you haven’t already, you should apply for an outdoor dining permit. You should apply via Dining Out NYC, a program that partners with the NYC DOT to allocate street space for dining purposes. This step is essential to ensure your patio dining area is legal.
Install Shelter and Shade
If you want your guests to linger longer while snacking on their appetizers, provide them with shelter and shade. Think canopies, umbrellas, or even a beautiful pergola. These structures protect customers from the unpredictable NYC weather and add charm to your patio.
Invest in Exterior Decorations
Now let’s talk aesthetics. An inviting patio starts with an investment in exterior decorations. Consider furniture that’s not just comfortable but also stylish.
Bright table settings and ambient lighting create a welcoming vibe for evening diners. Don’t forget about adding plants to create a healthier patio environment. Incorporating greenery beautifies the space and purifies the air.
The right decorations, paired with a great theme, can elevate your dining experience, making your establishment the talk of the town—just what every restaurant owner dreams of!
Watch this video for some inspiration:
Make the Space Navigable for Your Staff
Next on the agenda is functionality. Your patio must be navigable for your staff. Design the layout to allow easy movement for servers weaving through tables.
Additionally, a well-organized buffet or bar area can speed up service and reduce stress during peak hours. Streamlining the flow inside and out ensures that your guests get what they need without delay. After all, the goal is seamless patio service, not loosey-goosey, long-wait-time patio service.
Have Rules About Pets
The New York City government imposes rules for restaurants regarding pets. Mainly, non-service-animal pets are strictly prohibited indoors, but they may be allowed outdoors at the discretion of restaurant owners. If you decide to allow pets in outdoor dining areas, you still need to follow certain city rules and post your own requirements.
Be Extra Thorough in Cleaning
The food safety guidelines for NYC outline thorough, strict rules regarding sanitation in the kitchen and dining areas. Some rules that could be specific to outdoor dining areas include choosing furniture that is resistant to rust and having vermin-proof trash bins.
Also, just keep in mind that outdoor dining areas are subject to more dirt and pollution than indoor areas. Your cleaning should reflect this with frequent sanitizations using high-quality, food-safe cleaners.
By following this guide to seamless patio service for restaurants in NYC, you’ll transform your outdoor space into an irresistible dining destination that keeps customers coming back for more. Get ready to rock the streets of New York with your delicious offerings!
Business woman. Traveler. Self-Declared Host. If you’re here, you know the amazing, hits-the-spot feeling of good coffee. The key to my heart (and to keeping the engine running) is coffee, and I’ve sipped and savored A LOT of coffee over the years and around the world. I’m on a mission to bring great coffee and the warm fuzzy feeling of coffee culture into your home and life, every cup, every day, every time.
