Maximizing your café space can help to generate more sales. One way is to design an outdoor café where you can utilize the space outdoors. Outdoor café can be utilized on the balcony, on the pathway, or in an outdoor area of your café. But of course, you will need to follow the rules and regulations of the government.
Outdoor dining is getting popular among people. This is because they get to enjoy the fresh air as they enjoy their meals or enjoy a cup of coffee. It can be a great place to gather with their friends as you won’t need to be as reserved as you eat indoors.
However, how you design your outdoor café can have an impact on your customer’s dining experience. You will want to provide a unique experience and leave a good impression on them. There are many things to consider when designing one. In this article, we will discuss what you should take note of when designing your outdoor café.
Outdoor Café Tips #1 – Understand Your Target Audience
Serving your customers is one of the main things when doing a business. Designing your café is not all about what you want but also about how it can provide a space where guests feel comfortable the moment they step in. You should consider your targeted audience in the initial stage of your café renovation.
Your café design should be optimized for them. Always put yourself in your customer’s shoes. How do you want to be treated if you are them? For example, if your café is meant for families to enjoy their meal, you may need a larger table, a baby chair if needed, and even a kids’ menu.
If you are targeting those who are freelancers and looking for a space to work, you may want to create a seating area that allows some privacy for them and include plugs for their electronic devices. When you keep your customers in mind during the designing process, you may design a more customized design to enhance their dining experience.
Outdoor Café Tips #2 – Think About Weather
Weather is not an issue for an indoor café. But if you are expanding your space outdoors, weather is an issue that you will need to face. The weather in Singapore is either rain or sun. If the weather is too hot, customers will be sweating as they eat. They wouldn’t feel comfortable with it. It would be impossible for customers to eat outdoors when it is raining.
So, you will need to plan carefully when designing your outdoor café. You should consider including shades, umbrellas, or overhead coverings for your outdoor dining space. Opt for high-quality materials, or you will find yourself replacing the materials after a few months of use.
Find umbrellas that can easily attached to tables. Customers will still be able to eat when it is drizzling and protect them from sun lights. Find colors that suit your café theme. Awing is another option. It is a perfect way to keep customers in the shade, protect them from heavy rain or sun, and still enjoy their meals outdoors.
Outdoor Café Tips #3 – Consider The Furniture For Outdoors
Since the furniture is used for outdoor space, you will need to consider if the materials are able to withstand the weather. Opt for outdoor furniture that uses weather-resistant materials to withstand the weather; they should also be durable and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your café.
Materials such as aluminum, teak, or wrought iron are good choices. They can withstand outdoor weather conditions without compromising their structural integrity. Besides, they are easy to maintain. They can look good to serve the next guest with a simple cleaning.
Consider putting a table cover over your dining table. It can be used to protect the tables and help maintain your furniture’s durability. Vinyl covers are a practical solution for your café. They can be cleaned easily and are resistant to water. It is a convenient choice for most café owners.
Outdoor Café Tips #4 – Utilize Plants And Flowers
People love to dine outside due to the fresh air and the feeling of not being too cramped. Plants and flowers can be used as a design element to enhance a customer’s mood and your exterior décor. It can enhance your café’s aesthetic appeal.
Outdoor plants are a good way to decorate your outdoor space, especially if you have a limited budget. It doesn’t cost much. It can add some colors to your café. Go for designs that pair up with your plants to create an inviting space.
Besides the decorative purpose, potted plants can also be used as a divider in your outdoor space. It can divide areas naturally, allowing your customers to have more privacy. It can optimize your space more effectively.
Opt for plants that can withstand bright sunlight and excessive rains. If possible, choose some blooming plants for the space, which can also play a role in capturing customer’s attention. If you use herbs often, why not create a small herb garden in your outdoor space? It can have a decorative purpose and also allow customers to know you are using homegrown spices.
Outdoor Café Tips #5 – Lightings
If your café is open till night, you wouldn’t want your customers eating in the dark. The lighting you choose plays a role in your design in your outdoor space. You can use your lighting to create a perfect ambiance in your outdoor café.
Lighting, such as string lights, Chinese lanterns, candles, and tiki torches, can be a great and affordable option. It can light up your dining space and serve as a decorative piece. But do plan your lighting design properly. Ensure all areas are well-lit.
Ensure that the lighting aligns with your café’s theme. Imagine using a Chinese lantern in a café that sells Western food. Doesn’t it look weird?
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