At many restaurants and bars, the outdoor dining space doesn’t have walls or fences around it to mark the area. This can present a challenge to customers and wait staff traffic flow. The placement and size of outdoor tables can assist in patron traffic flow and offer comfortable seating arrangements for them. Keep reading to learn how you can use your tables to define your restaurant’s outdoor dining space.
Here are 3 useful tips and some reminders:
- Placing small, 2 top (24” x 30”) tables around the perimeter of your space can provide an exterior “wall” without having your guests subjected to people walking behind them. Additionally, making these tables bar height puts these patrons at the same level as passersby.
- When placing square 4 tops or rectangular tables inside the now defined area, stagger them to avoid a cafeteria vibe. If you will be using umbrellas, it may not be necessary to have them on every table if you place them well.
- Maintaining at least one straight path from the street or parking lot through your outdoor dining venue will promote a comfortable experience for your customers.
Every establishment and concept is different so no rules are hard and fast on outdoor table placement, but thoughtful placement can add to your establishment’s appeal and act like a beckoning billboard to your potential customers.
Bon appétit!
To learn more about BFM Seating’s popular wholesale furnishings for outdoor dining spaces, please click here or call us at 215-289-5411.
