When you think of summer as a restaurant owner, the first thing that comes to mind may be summer specials and cold drinks, but that is not always all you need. You may need to make some design changes to suit your summer needs. Get the help of professional designers such as Dawnvale to make your kitchen design more functional and efficient.

How to Prepare Your Restaurant for Summer

• Introduce Buffet Style Menu

You may need to make some changes to your kitchen’s service area. Make it more suited for buffet service. Create enough space to allow buffet style parties. Buffet service gives a festive feel and gives your customers a chance to interact with each other. It can also be more profitable because it makes possible to set fixed prices for the guests. It saves on the number of staff members needed to serve. Make sure that your tables are arranged in a way that does not limit movement.

• Regulate the Temperatures

In summer, your restaurant space can get too heated for comfort especially if it is a small one. If that happens, it may keep your customers from coming back to the restaurant. Set your enclosed restaurant space to about 65 degrees before you open it for guests. That way, it will stay cool for a long time after they do. Observe the temperature regularly to ensure that it stays comfortable. Adjust every time you need to especially if you have buffet service and warming tools. If your restaurant does not have an independent temperature adjustment, fix it before summer. Find shades for your patio and introduce measures to block wind or heavy rainfall.

• Introduce Outdoor Seating

You will need to change the design of your restaurant to allow for outside seats and tables. Purchase the appropriate furniture in advance. It should be able resist weather elements and still look attractive. If you have enough space, introduce outside cooking. Take your grill or any other kitchen appliances outside. Understand the needs of your target market, how long they stay and an average party size. Make sure that the size of your outside seating matches the amount of food your kitchen can produce. If you don’t, you may end up with a full capacity that you are not able to serve.

• Noise Control

If you adopt outdoor seating, you may have to find a way to deal with noise issues from the neighborhood or traffic. You can use music in your restaurant, strategic all, or bushes to reduce noise. Having a comfortable and relaxed place to dine motivates your guests to stay longer. Having the right music makes your restaurant feel like a fun and comfortable place.

• Update Your Menu

Introduce a fresh menu with new drinks and food. Make it more fun and creative to attract new guests. If you serve foods and drinks that are unique, your restaurant becomes more memorable.