Summer has arrived in Toronto and with that comes the legendary patio season. It’s that wonderful time of year when Torontonians flock to patios to enjoy the warm weather while dining and socializing. To make the most of this profitable season, it’s crucial for restaurant owners to prepare their establishments accordingly. In this blog, we’ll explore five essential items that can help you gear up for patio season and maximize your revenue during this time of year.
Ice Machine
An ice machine is an essential asset for any restaurant during patio season. With customers craving ice-cold beverages, such as refreshing lemonades or frozen margaritas, it’s crucial to have a reliable ice machine in place. The last thing you want is to send your valuable staff members to the store for bags of ice during a busy summer rush.
One way to attract new and returning customers to your patio is by offering bespoke summer drinks. Frozen cocktails, in particular, are highly popular during the summer months. By creating unique summer cocktails, you can not only entice customers but also increase the retail price per drink and encourage repeat purchases. To streamline the process and make it enjoyable for both customers and staff members, consider investing in a slushie machine. It will allow you to efficiently create and serve these unique drinks, setting yourself apart from the competition and reaping the benefits of offering something special this summer.
Extra Glassware
With the influx of customers during patio season, it’s essential to have an ample supply of glassware. Extra glassware ensures that you can efficiently serve more customers without delays or shortages. It allows you to cater to increased outdoor seating capacity and maintain a smooth flow of service. By having enough glassware on hand, you have the freedom to serve more drinks a lot faster, accommodate larger groups, and ultimately generate more revenue throughout the summer.
Patio Furniture
Investing in quality patio furniture is crucial in creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for your guests. Comfortable seating and visually appealing furniture enhance the overall dining experience and entice customers to spend more time at your establishment. A well-furnished patio will attract more customers, encourage them to stay longer, and potentially increase their spending on food and beverages. By making your patio an appealing extension of your restaurant, you can capitalize on the summer weather and boost your profits.
Patio Heaters
Toronto’s weather can be unpredictable, even during the summer months. To ensure your patio remains usable on cooler evenings or during mild temperature drops, patio heaters are essential. These heaters provide a comfortable and cozy ambiance, allowing guests to enjoy outdoor dining even when the weather is less than ideal. By incorporating heaters on your patio, not only can you prolong your patio season into cooler evenings, but you can also begin earlier in the year and continue later than competing restaurants. This strategic approach enables you to cater to customers who still crave the patio experience even during colder times. By offering a comfortable and cozy outdoor dining setting, you can attract customers seeking an enjoyable al fresco atmosphere, giving your restaurant an edge and capturing additional business opportunities.
Merchandising Refrigerators
During patio season, customers are often looking for light and refreshing food options. Merchandising refrigerators are a valuable addition to your restaurant, allowing you to showcase chilled treats like salads, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages. By displaying these tempting items, you can entice customers to make impulse purchases and encourage takeaway purchases. Merchandising refrigerators offer more than just convenience; they also serve as effective displays for your product line. This attractive presentation could entice customers to make return visits and even lead to increased takeaway sales. These refrigerators are valuable assets for your business that can be utilized beyond the summer months. During the winter season, they can be repurposed to showcase different products tailored to your customer’s needs, allowing you to make the most of your display space throughout the year.
As patio season approaches in Toronto, it’s crucial for restaurant owners to prepare their establishments for the surge in outdoor dining. By investing in these must-have essentials you can create a comfortable and inviting space that attracts more customers and generates increased revenue. Take advantage of the summer weather, and ensure your restaurant is ready to make the most of this profitable season. Prepare for your restaurant for patio season today, and reap the benefits all summer long!