Most restaurant businesses often experience a dinner rush. More customers arriving during peak operations means an overwhelming volume of orders. Undeniably, it’s a sign of prosperity for any restaurant business. But what if you suddenly realize that it’s challenging to manage the seating capacity due to limited seats and an increasing number of restaurant visitors? As a restaurant owner, nothing can be more disappointing than seeing your customers walk away from your empty outdoor space to your competitor.
The solution is obvious: utilize your outdoor dining space by adding more seats. Outdoor dining isn’t only trending, it’s loved by guests who prefer to dine in open spaces and want to enjoy open views – regardless of any seasonal limitations. However, the traditional approach (expensive construction, months of disruption, permits, and contractors) can be highly impractical in the fast-paced restaurant industry.
Wondering how to add more seating without new construction?
Installing clear vinyl outdoor curtains is the answer. You don’t have to use a single brick to build an ambient outdoor dining area. Installing clear vinyl patio enclosures will help you transform an empty outdoor space into a revamped patio that your guests will cherish.
Unlike glass systems or concrete walls, clear vinyl patio enclosures provide retractable and flexible partitions. Made from waterproof and durable PVC, these clear vinyl outdoor curtains protect customers from cold or rain while they can still enjoy the outdoor dining experience. Since the vinyl curtains come with roller track systems, they can be retracted in seconds. This allows you to open up the space when the weather is pleasant.
Available in a variety of colors, you can select clear vinyl patio enclosures that match the aesthetic theme of your restaurant. Since installing clear vinyl curtains makes the outdoor dining space attractive and welcoming, the probability of more guests visiting a restaurant drastically increases. This additional seating arrangement also means doubling your revenue.
Why Clear Vinyl Patio Enclosures Can Be a Game-Changer for Restaurant Businesses
Clear vinyl patio enclosures can benefit restaurant owners in the following ways:
Lower cost as compared to construction
Traditional construction involves high material costs, labor costs, structural changes, permits, and lengthy downtime. In contrast, clear vinyl outdoor curtains require a smaller investment and minimal installation. This allows restaurant owners to expand their seating capacity without blocking their capital in expensive renovations. It also helps them avoid downtime or lost revenue while upgrading the outdoor dining space.
Easy cleanliness and maintenance
Cleanliness is a non-negotiable requirement in food service businesses. Having non-porous and smooth surfaces, it’s easy to clean clear vinyl patio enclosures. The staff can quickly wipe these curtains with basic cleaning solutions. Since vinyl doesn’t absorb odors or moisture, it doesn’t require deep cleaning. It makes clear vinyl curtains a hygienic and practical option for restaurant staff who are mostly busy serving new visitors.
Quick response to seasonal changes
Retractable designs of vinyl curtains enable restaurant staff to enclose them when the temperature drops, rain starts, or the winds get harsh. They can retract them as the weather changes. This level of flexibility enables restaurant managers to make the outdoor dining area available to guests all year around.
Competitive edge
Diners repeatedly visit restaurants that offer the “all-in-one” benefit to them. This includes everything from comfortable seating to privacy, protection from unpredictable weather, an open space with a relaxed ambiance, and outdoor views. Therefore, restaurants with an outdoor dining space enclosed with clear vinyl outdoor curtains can easily gain a competitive advantage.
Visibility
Unlike opaque barriers or solid walls, clear vinyl patio enclosures allow natural light to enter the restaurant premises. It also preserves visibility. Since guests feel connected to outdoor views, the vinyl curtains help enhance their dining experience – something that many diners value more than the price of their meal, according to the National Restaurant Association.
Flexible usage
Restaurant owners can adjust, relocate, or even remove clear vinyl curtains according to the changing needs of their business. The flexible usage of these vinyl outdoor curtains is ideal for those who aim to reconfigure their seating or lease their restaurant space in the future. This is something they cannot easily do with permanent construction.
Practical Applications of Clear Vinyl Outdoor Curtains
Since clear vinyl outdoor curtains are versatile, restaurant owners can maximize their space in unique outdoor seating arrangements. These curtains are commonly used in the following ways:
Rooftop patios
The rooftop dining trend is here to stay as most diners prefer panoramic views over being seated in noisy and crowded indoor settings. However, fluctuating temperatures can be a challenge. That’s when vinyl patio enclosures play their role.
Sidewalk cafés
Cafés located in urban areas or busy streets can implement sidewalk seating to welcome additional guests. But traffic smoke or unexpected rain can quickly deteriorate outdoor tables. Clear vinyl outdoor curtains act as protective barriers here while enhancing the overall experience of sidewalk dining.
Courtyard dining spaces
Some restaurants have internal outdoor areas or courtyards that are often underutilized due to weather constraints. Vinyl patio enclosures transform these courtyards into functional outdoor areas while providing an open-air atmosphere to the guests without spending a lot.
Garden Terrace
Restaurants with garden terraces can attract those who love greenery and prefer dining out in natural surroundings. Installing vinyl patio enclosures can protect guests from sudden rain, cool breezes, outdoor pests, and falling leaves. That way, it becomes easier to take maximum benefits of eating outside. Since vinyl curtains are mostly transparent, guests can easily enjoy the view of outdoor décor, landscaping, and plants.
How to Choose the Right Clear Vinyl Patio Enclosures
Selecting the right vinyl curtains ensures their longevity and performance. Therefore, it’s wise to consider some factors before finalizing your purchase:
High-quality vinyl: Cheaper materials are prone to cracking and fading. So, choose commercial-grade, high-quality vinyl that offers high durability.
Custom sizing: The outdoor space of every restaurant is unique. The key is to choose custom-sized clear vinyl outdoor curtains that fit perfectly in your outdoor dining area without any gaps.
Hygiene compliance: More restaurant visitors mean more attention to hygiene. Choose vinyl curtains that can be easily and quickly wiped.
Prefer retractable vinyl curtains: Restaurant staff can easily adjust retractable vinyl curtains in peak hours. The retractable option is time-saving and ensures smooth restaurant operations.
The Takeaway
There’s no point in making a heavy investment in constructing an outdoor space from scratch when a convenient option is already there. Installing clear vinyl patio enclosures is an affordable, time-saving, and hassle-free way to increase your revenue, retain customers, and enhance the ambiance of your restaurant.
Now that you’re aware of how clear vinyl patio enclosures can take your business to the next level, it’s wise to opt for this smart investment before your competitors do. Expanding your seating capacity directly increases your customer base. So, it’s wise to take the next step today. Measure the dimensions of your outdoor space and order retractable vinyl enclosures that are the perfect size for your seating arrangements.
