Dining al fresco with nature or the bare street as the backdrop adds a touch of magic to every bite. No wonder 65% of customers would prefer dining in an outdoor space even when it’s cold, as per a recent report. Such setups provide a fantastic experience, connecting diners to the surroundings. With the sun falling on their plates and the cool breeze blowing past, customers get immersed in a culinary journey like no other. (1)
But the outdoors isn’t without challenges. Exposure to the elements is a major concern. Rain, wind, and the sun’s heat can make it uncomfortable for diners. Adding an outdoor umbrella is, thus, a practical solution to keeping off the elements. In fact, the patio umbrella market is growing rapidly due to increasing outdoor living trends. It’s set to rise from the 2023 value of USD$1.36 billion (AUD$2.19 billion) at a CAGR of 6.8% to hit USD$2.16 billion (AUD$3.48 billion) by the end of 2030. (2)
This article discusses the benefits of these installations to cafes and restaurants and some best practices when setting them up.
Benefits of Outdoor Umbrellas
Cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating are popular as there’s unlimited fresh air and epic views of the vicinity. Here’s how high-quality commercial umbrellas can benefit these businesses:
Increased Customer Seating
More seats mean higher chances of a bigger revenue. Getting an expansive indoor space may not always be feasible because of the associated costs. And that’s where outdoor umbrellas come in handy. They increase the usable space, accommodating more customers and increasing your bottom line.
Outdoor umbrellas also give you the freedom to use the space all year round. Whether it’s rainy season or the sun is out in full, customers can enjoy dining al fresco. You may want to click here for a deeper look at a wide range of premium quality outdoor umbrellas in Brisbane and to see what options are available for your cafe or restaurant.
Boosted Branding
Outdoor umbrellas are an excellent avenue for branding. You can print your cafe’s or restaurant’s logo, name, and tagline on the umbrella fabric. People passing by the street will easily see these elements, and your business’s image will register in their minds. Moreover, customers are fond of taking pictures as they wine and dine, which they share on their social media profiles. With branded umbrellas, their followers will get to know you, and that’s what brand awareness is all about.
More Customers
Pedestrians walking or motorists driving past your cafe or restaurant can’t help but notice your premises. They get to see the kind of food you serve, how your waiters handle diners, the ambiance, and how customers feel dining at your cafe. This way, they can easily get convinced to also dine with you. With 79% of respondents in a 2022 Australian consumers survey indicating they intend to spend less at restaurants and cafes, you must be more tactful in your marketing strategies to ensure you always have customers. (3)
Outdoor seating areas can also be the preferred venue for events like graduation or birthday parties, thanks to the handsome space available. This can attract even more customers.
Practical Tips for Choosing and Installing Outdoor Umbrellas
To reap the above-listed benefits, you must choose the right outdoor commercial umbrella and install it in the right manner. Below are some helpful tips:
Pick the Right Type
Outdoor umbrellas come in many types. Market umbrellas typically feature a central pole design, making for a stable base and maximizing the shaded area beneath. The pole is often inserted into a hole at the center of the table. The canopy is usually round or octagonal, providing a wide span of space. On the other hand, cantilever umbrellas are designed with an off-set pole, allowing the umbrella’s canopy to hang over the seating area without a central pole obstructing the space. This configuration is especially useful for covering large dining areas where uninterrupted space is desired.
Choose the Right Fabric
Canopy material options include polyester, acrylic, and PVC. Polyester is more affordable compared to other materials. But it’s prone to fading under sunlight. Solution-dyed polyester can improve color fastness and durability, maintaining its vibrancy for longer.
Acrylic is highly durable and weather-resistant, thus ideal for long-term use. They’re your go-to option if your cafe is in an area exposed to intense sun. They offer excellent protection against UV rays.
PVC is popular because of its waterproofing capabilities. It withstands various weather conditions, including heavy rain and the scorching sun, without fading or deteriorating. Furthermore, it’s easy to clean, thus ideal for cafe settings prone to spills.
Choose the Right Design
An effective design helps attract customers. Diners fancy an aesthetic atmosphere. Start with selecting the right color to capture customers’ attention and influence their mood. You may use natural colors green and blue as they blend perfectly with the surroundings.
Another excellent approach is using the color wheel to choose a palette. Consider using complementary colors opposite each other on the wheel. Examples include orange and blue, yellow and purple, and indigo and green. Blend black with lighter colors like yellow or sky blue, or white with darker colors like red or purple.
Besides solid colors, you can also try fun patterns like polka dots or stripes.
Go for Commercial Grade Options
Heavy duty umbrellas are the way to go. So, look for options that are highly durable, safe for occupants, and in compliance with local laws. A higher wind rating ensures the umbrella can withstand strong winds. The frames could be made from quality powder coating, structural aluminum, or marine-grade stainless steel. Structural aluminum is lighter than steel but pretty durable, resisting rust and other forms of damage.
Conclusion
Shade solutions like outdoor umbrellas are an indispensable installation for cafes and restaurants seeking to spruce up their ambiance and offer customers an unmatched dining experience. The benefits abound for business owners, from attracting new customers to creating brand awareness. Your winning point is choosing the right umbrella that fits your outdoor seating area, boosting both its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Also, having them installed professionally boosts their appeal and durability.
References
- How To Make Your Outdoor Dining Space More Profitable. Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/square/2021/08/16/how-to-make-your-outdoor-dining-space-more-profitable/
- Patio Umbrella Market Set for Robust Growth: Projected 6.8% CAGR, Reaching US$2.16 Billion by 2030, Persistence Market Research. Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/patio-umbrella-market-set-robust-182600516.html
- Change in consumer dining behavior as a result of cost of living pressures in Australia in 2022. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1371716/australia-change-in-consumer-dining-behavior-due-to-cost-of-living-pressures/