Outdoor Heating Systems Are Critical To The Alfresco Dining Experience

The saying that it takes money to make money couldn't ring truer than when it comes to investing in outdoor seating and heating systems for restaurants. A Groupon for Merchants article titled "Increasing Revenue for Your Restaurant with Outdoor Seating Ideas" delves into the numerous benefits of expanding your dining space outdoors. For restaurateurs who have yet to take the plunge into creating a deck or patio, the insights provided may come as quite a surprise. The profitability of outdoor seating areas is not just about the number of tables but also about creating a unique ambiance that attracts customers looking for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

According to Groupon, if you're searching for ways to boost your restaurant's revenue, outdoor seating can be one of the most effective strategies. Businesses that implement outdoor seating can see an increase in average revenue by up to 30%. Transforming unused outdoor spaces into inviting seating areas not only increases table availability but also draws in customers who prefer a more festive dining environment. However, the key to maintaining this additional revenue lies in ensuring comfort throughout the year.

"Outdoor seating is one of your best bets if you're trying to generate more revenue in a restaurant. By converting an underutilized outdoor space into a welcoming area for more customers, you're increasing your overall table availability and appealing to those who enjoy a lively dining atmosphere," the article states.

Groupon further highlights that casual open-air spaces naturally encourage additional spending among patrons. Patrons waiting for a table during busy weekend dinners often enjoy a pre-meal drink or light appetizer on the restaurant's deck or patio. Over time, these experiences become part of the regulars' routine, drawing in more friends and family. These benefits continue until the weather turns colder or seasonal changes drive people indoors.

However, the 30% or more in additional revenue doesn't have to vanish once temperatures drop. Installing an efficient outdoor heating system, using industry-leading equipment, can ensure patrons remain comfortable even as the nights grow cooler.

Designing Spaces for Year-Round Outdoor Comfort

It's crucial to strategically plan your outdoor dining and gathering areas to maximize their use throughout all seasons. A common mistake made by business owners is focusing solely on summer usage. These types of decks are usually built with open railings that let cool breezes flow freely. It's also common for restaurants to install retractable awnings to shield diners from the sun or rain.

Building solid low walls around the base of the deck or patio helps stabilize the area against uneven wind gusts. Installing a fixed overhead structure is a similar investment to an awning but opens up new possibilities for enhancing the customer experience and boosting the bottom line. One such possibility is integrating outdoor heating systems that allow businesses to make full use of their outdoor spaces year-round.

Maximizing Patio Usage with Outdoor Heating Solutions

One factor that sometimes deters restaurant owners from choosing a patio heater is concerns over fuel resources. There's a misconception that commercial-grade patio heaters can only operate on natural gas. While natural gas remains a cost-effective option, leading infrared radiant heater lines can also run on liquid propane and electricity, making them equally cost-effective. In terms of fuel sources, there are virtually no barriers to installing either individual units or comprehensive outdoor heating systems. To illustrate this point, here are five leading types of patio heaters suitable for restaurants.

Patio Comfort

The Patio Comfort heaters are classic mushroom-shaped outdoor patio heaters designed for versatile use. They house a liquid propane tank in their base and can generate up to 40,000 BTUs. A standard 5-gallon cylinder typically provides up to 10 hours of consistent warmth within its throw radius. This patio heater series offers four stylish finishes to complement any decor, including Stainless Steel, Antique Bronze, Jet/Silver, and Vintage Series. Since this self-contained model can be easily moved around, it works well with varying table and chair arrangements.

For business owners who already have natural gas running to their kitchens and indoor heating systems, the Patio Comfort line also offers a fixed-in-place option. The natural gas model maintains the same iconic mushroom style that patrons associate with outdoor dining and happy hour drinks.

Sunglo Patio Heaters

The Sunglo heaters represent an evolution of the classic mushroom heater. Available in black or stainless steel, they can also hold a portable propane tank in the base. Other models feature a sturdy pole that is grounded for permanent natural gas use.

However, the A244 Sunglo heater takes it to the next level, both functionally and aesthetically. Generating upwards of 50,000 BTUs, this model can be suspended from a ceiling, rafter, or overarching infrastructure. When fueled by natural gas, the A244 becomes a decorative addition that resembles hanging lanterns.

Sunpak Patio Heaters

This box-style heater line produces between 25,000 to 34,000 BTUs, depending on the model. It comes in black or stainless steel finishes and can be mounted on ceilings, walls, or a sturdy post. Since these are fixed in place, Sunpak heaters are available in natural gas or liquid propane models.

Smartly positioned, these box heaters can cover 100 to 144 square feet of radiant heat. They can be installed with wall controls that include shutoff timers, and some models come with remote controls.

Sunstar Patio Heaters

Another box-style model, the Sunstar patio heater is designed for areas prone to inclement weather. They are particularly suited for decks and patios along marinas that face ocean winds and salty conditions. The Sunstar models are also excellent at preventing dust and airborne particles from affecting the infrared heating elements.

This is achieved through the use of high-temperature tinted glass, zinc-laced materials, and black silicone powder-coated paint in the SGL model. Depending on the unit, a Sunstar patio heater for restaurants generates 24,000 to 35,000 BTUs. Sunstar offers both natural gas and liquid propane models.

Infratech Electric Box Heaters

Many restaurant owners mistakenly assume that premium patio heaters aren't available in electric versions. This couldn't be further from the truth. The Infratech patio heater line was specifically designed for locations without access to natural gas, where liquid propane might be inconvenient. Infratech infrared heaters only require a professionally installed, dedicated power source and can be mounted on ceilings, walls, or strategically placed posts.

Infratech models produce 24,000 to 35,000 BTUs, using 2,000 to 6,000 watts. They are available in sleek stainless steel, black, and some models feature a contemporary finish. The Infratech Motif collection also offers four stylish front plate options: Contemporary, Craftsman, Mediterranean, and Traditional.

Investing in a Patio Heater for Restaurants

As the foodies at Groupon point out, alfresco dining and drinks spaces can boost restaurant profits by up to 30%. It would be counterproductive to invest in a deck or patio, tables, and chairs, and then shut it down when the temperature drops. Doing so would effectively cut off potential revenue streams and fail to deliver the expected return on investment.

Outdoor heating systems not only enhance customer experience and profits but also serve as a practical capital expenditure. Savvy entrepreneurs recognize that outdoor patio heaters are a necessary expense that ultimately drives profits.