Expanding Dining Space: How Restaurants Can Use Tents to Boost Revenue

As more restaurants look for creative ways to increase their revenue, expanding dining space with outdoor setups has become a popular solution. Offering additional seating under tents, along with strategically placed portable heaters and AC units, allows a restaurant to accommodate more customers without the need for a costly remodel. This strategy is particularly valuable during peak seasons and special events. Here’s how restaurants can maximize revenue by creating an inviting outdoor dining area with tents, tables, chairs, and temperature control options.

1. The Benefits of Outdoor Expansion

Expanding a restaurant's dining space outdoors provides numerous advantages. Beyond increasing capacity, outdoor seating can create a unique atmosphere that draws in customers. Many diners enjoy the experience of al fresco dining, especially in pleasant weather. Additionally, this setup allows restaurants to serve larger parties and host special events, such as private gatherings, themed dinners, and even corporate lunches. With the right setup, an outdoor dining area can become a profitable and highly appealing feature.

Moreover, outdoor seating helps restaurants address seasonal fluctuations in foot traffic. During warmer months, outdoor seating becomes a natural draw, attracting customers looking to enjoy a meal in the fresh air. With the addition of portable heaters and AC units, outdoor dining can even extend into cooler or hotter seasons, offering year-round revenue potential.

2. Choosing the Right Tent for Your Restaurant’s Needs

Tents are essential for creating a comfortable, weather-protected dining area. The right tent style and size will depend on the restaurant’s specific space and goals. Here are a few common options: Frame tents, pole tents, high peak cross cable tents and compact frame tents. It's best to consult an expert when it comes to choosing the right tent for your space. A variety of factors will determine which tent is best for your restaurant such as area surface set up, size, weight, weather and more.

Once a tent style is chosen, consider accessories like lighting, fans, and rain gutters to ensure that the space remains functional and attractive. With the right design, a tented outdoor dining area can become a true extension of the restaurant’s brand and atmosphere.

3. Selecting Comfortable, Durable Furniture

After setting up the tent, the next step is choosing appropriate furniture. Outdoor tables and chairs should be comfortable, durable, and weather-resistant. For example:

• Tables: Look for tables with weather-resistant finishes, like powder-coated aluminum or treated wood. Options that can be easily cleaned and moved are ideal. Rectangular tables are great for maximizing seating capacity, while round tables offer a cozier feel for smaller parties.

• Chairs: Stackable or foldable chairs are easy to store when not in use and make setup more flexible. Cushioned seating is also a good option but ensure the cushions are covered in water-resistant fabric.

4. Ensuring Comfort with Portable Heaters and AC Units

To extend the outdoor dining season, portable heaters and air conditioning units are crucial. They make it possible to keep guests comfortable in cooler fall or winter months and during hot summer days.

• Portable Heaters: Propane or electric heaters are popular options. Mushroom-style heaters distribute heat evenly and cover a good area, making them ideal for tables placed in rows. On the other hand, infrared heaters are excellent for targeted heating, keeping guests warm without consuming too much energy. Safety should be a priority when placing heaters, so ensure they’re positioned where they won’t be a hazard.

• Portable Air Conditioners and Fans: For hot climates, portable AC units can make outdoor dining bearable in the summer. Tent air conditioners or large fans are effective in keeping airflow steady and cooling the space down. Consider ceiling fans or misting fans for tents to help manage heat without overwhelming the electrical capacity.

5. Marketing the Expanded Dining Space

Once the outdoor dining area is set up, marketing becomes essential to make the most of the investment. Highlight the new space on social media with attractive photos and videos, showcasing the cozy atmosphere under the tent or the romantic evening lighting. Partner with local influencers or invite food bloggers to experience the outdoor area and share it with their followers.

Special promotions, like themed nights or live music events, can also help attract a crowd. Whether it's a wine tasting, holiday-themed menu, or trivia night, themed events make the outdoor space even more attractive.

6. Adding Value with Outdoor Event Rentals

If the restaurant can accommodate larger parties, consider offering the tented space for private events, such as weddings, birthdays, or corporate gatherings. This adds an entirely new revenue stream, especially if you provide package options that include table settings, decorations, and catering. Promoting your outdoor space as an event venue allows you to book out the area on off-nights, helping keep revenue consistent even during slower times.

Creating an expanded outdoor dining area with tents, furniture, and climate control is a strategic investment for restaurants looking to boost revenue. By enhancing customer comfort and creating a unique outdoor ambiance, a tented space can quickly become a sought-after feature, allowing for higher guest capacity, extended seasonal dining, and even new event-hosting opportunities. With careful planning, the benefits of an expanded dining space can provide a significant return on investment and a loyal customer base eager to enjoy the outdoor experience year-round.