Outdoor Heating Systems Are Critical To The Alfresco Dining Experience

There's a saying that it takes money to make money, and this rings truer than ever when it comes to investing in al fresco seating and outdoor heating systems. A Groupon for Merchants article titled "Increasing Revenue for Your Restaurant with Outdoor Seating Ideas" provides an in-depth look at the benefits of additional seating. Its findings might surprise restaurant owners who haven't yet taken the plunge into building a deck or patio. That's because the profitability of outdoor seating and casual gathering spaces is multifaceted and highly lucrative.

"If you're looking to boost revenue in your restaurant, outdoor seating is one of your best options. With outdoor seating, average restaurant revenue can increase by up to 30 percent. Transforming an unused outdoor space to accommodate more customers boosts your overall table availability and attracts patrons who might prefer a more festive dining experience," according to Groupon.

The Groupon for Merchants piece further explains that casual open-air spaces naturally encourage additional spending among customers. Patrons waiting during busy weekend dinner rushes are often delighted to sip pre-meal drinks or enjoy light appetizers on a restaurant's deck or patio. Over time, regulars come to see this as part of their dining experience, even inviting friends along. These and other incentives remain in play until the colder evenings set in or until fall and winter push people indoors.

However, that 30 percent or more in additional revenue doesn't need to vanish entirely. An outdoor heating system, featuring top-tier units, can ensure patrons remain comfortable throughout the year.

Design Spaces to Accommodate a Patio Heater for Restaurants

It's crucial to thoughtfully design fresh-air dining and gathering areas for all-season usage. A common mistake made by business owners is assuming outdoor spaces should only be used in the summer. These types of decks are typically designed with open railings that allow cool breezes to circulate freely. It's also common for restaurants to install roll-out awnings to shield diners from the summer sun or rain.

Building solid low walls around the base of the deck or patio stabilizes the area from uneven wind gusts. Adding a fixed overhead structure requires a similar investment to an awning but opens the door to other vital uses that can enhance the customer's experience and the business's bottom line. One such enhancement involves installing outdoor heating systems to maximize the use of your space year-round.

Maximize Patio Use with Outdoor Heating Systems

One obstacle that holds some restaurant owners back from choosing a patio heater for restaurants is fuel resources. There's a misconception that commercial-grade patio heaters can only operate on natural gas. While natural gas remains a cost-effective choice, leading infrared radiant heater lines can also run on liquid propane and electricity, both of which are equally cost-effective. In terms of fuel sources, there are virtually no barriers to installing an individual unit or a comprehensive outdoor heating system. To better illustrate this point, let's explore five leading types of patio heaters for restaurants.

Patio Comfort

The Patio Comfort heaters are classic mushroom-head outdoor patio heaters designed for versatile use. They house a liquid propane tank in their base and produce upwards of 40,000 BTUs. A 5-gallon cylinder usually provides up to 10 hours of consistent warmth within its throw radius. This patio heater line offers four stylish finishes to complement any decor, including Stainless Steel, Antique Bronze, Jet/Silver, and Vintage Series. This self-contained model can be strategically placed to adapt to changing 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 iconic mushroom-style design that patrons seek when considering a spot for outdoor dining and happy hour drinks.

Sunglo Patio Heaters

The Sunglo heaters are an evolved version of the classic mushroom heater. Available in black or stainless steel, they can also hold a portable propane tank in the base. Other models come with a sturdy pole that is footed into the ground for permanent natural gas use.

However, the A244 Sunglo heater takes it to the next level, stylistically. Producing upwards of 50,000 BTUs, this model can be suspended from a ceiling, rafter, or overarching infrastructure. Using natural gas, the A244 is a decorative addition that resembles hanging lanterns.

Sunpak Patio Heaters

This box-style heater line generates 25,000 to 34,000 BTUs, depending on the model. It can be chosen with a black or stainless steel finish and mounted on ceilings, walls, or a sturdy post. Since it is fixed in place, Sunpak heaters come in natural gas or liquid propane models.

When cleverly 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 have remote controls.

Sunstar Patio Heaters

Another box-style model, the Sunstar patio heater is designed for areas prone to harsh weather conditions. They work exceptionally well on decks and patios near marinas that experience ocean winds and saltwater. The Sunstar models are also great at preventing dust and airborne grit from negatively 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 has natural gas and liquid propane models available.

Infratech Electric Box Heaters

Far too many restaurant owners assume that premium patio heaters aren't compatible with electricity. This couldn't be further from the truth. The Infratech patio heater line was designed for commercial and residential settings without access to natural gas, where liquid propane is inconvenient. The Infratech infrared heaters only require a professionally installed, dedicated power source and can be mounted on ceilings, walls, or strategically placed posts.

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

Invest In A Patio Heater for Restaurants

As the food enthusiasts at Groupon note, al fresco dining and drinks spaces can boost restaurant profits by upwards of 30 percent. It would be counterproductive to invest in a deck or patio, tables, and chairs, and then shut it down when temperatures drop. A business owner would essentially be cutting revenue and failing to achieve the expected patio return on investment.

Outdoor heating systems improve customer experience and profits while acting as a practical capital expenditure. Smart entrepreneurs recognize outdoor patio heaters as necessary expenses that drive profits.