Preparing Your Patio Space for Nice Weather
Patio spaces are huge draws during the warmer and sunnier times of the year, and being properly prepared for that first blissful day of the year can help your patio season get off to a great start. Being well prepared will also give your employees a moral boost showing them that you are organized, that you pay attention to details, and that you have a desire for them to do well and a passion for your business.
Last Year?
If you had your patio or outdoor space last year you’re already ahead of the game. Look at your plans from last year and what happened. Note any excellent points and any areas that needed improvement, focus on keeping the good and solving the problems your had before. Whilst doing this look at anything which might arise during this patio season that could cause problems and plan to mitigate or quash these issues quickly, preferably beforehand.
Furniture
Long before patio season begins pull out your patio furniture and give it a thorough inspection, also remember to check as to whether you have enough. Not just enough for the expected seating but do you have spare chairs to accommodate slightly larger parties at some of your tables without loosing seats at other tables. Alongside this, do you have furniture for quick changes in weather? Such as umbrellas for sudden rain showers or heaters for chilly evening. The second of these might not be necessary but both are ideas you would really want to consider.
Laying Ground Rules
Local regulations can differ from place to place however the main points here are smoking and pets. Are these things allowed in patios or outdoor spaces where food and drinks are served and, if so, would you like to allow them. Laying down the rules at the start ensures that your employees know them and that there is a consistency with what is allowed from the get-go 。
Planning
Making a plan is a key to success, and this is where your employees will most appreciate your preparation work. These plans can include, but are not limited to: organizing outdoor stations, creating a floor plan that works for guests and employees, creating opening and closing checklists, and exploring the option of an outdoor bar and outdoor food station.
Outdoor Bars and Food Stations
Exploring the ideas of setting up outdoor bars and food stations is definitely something you should look into if it’s a possibility. Not only are both excellent attractions for guests, people always enjoy watching people work and create things, but they can also relieve any additional pressure off what are probably a kitchen and bar working at full capacity inside your location. These items too will be subject of local regulations and restrictions so be sure to look at these before beginning planning them out.
Entertainment and Advertisement
Putting on entertainment will surely help draw a crowd. It will also help you advertise your outdoor space, giving you certain events to target different people. Besides entertainment, word of mouth is a good way to advertise your patio or outdoor space however putting in a plan for how to advertising the space on your chosen channels will ensure that your guests know it’s there and that they’ll come and check it out. This is an especially useful and effective tool if your patio space isn’t visible from the high street i.e. in a courtyard out the back of your location or on a rooftop.
Your guests will not notice the amount of thought, planning and preparation that went into getting your patio space ready for patio season, however, they will definitely be aware of the quality of the end result and because they’ve had such a good time they could come back time and time again and maybe even bring their friends and family. Your employees, on the other hand, will highly appreciate the amount of work you’ve put into planning and executing service your outdoor areas, and their happiness will be reflected in the guest’s experience.
