One of the first steps reconstructing your outdoor eating space is to clean it. Doing so will set the groundwork for future preparations. The type of cleaning that is essential for an outdoor eating area includes:
- Pressure washing the outside of the building, sidewalks, and any other area that needs it
- Washing the outside windows
- Sweeping the cement
- Wiping down the exterior door and handles
- Clearing out the gutters
- Wiping away cobwebs
- Any other cleaning tasks specific to your storefront These types of cleaning (especially Seattle pressure washing) will add a professional appearance to your storefront. It will also leave the dining area ready for other necessary arrangements before opening.
If your storefront and dining area haven’t been utilized for a while, exterior maintenance likely needs to be addressed. For example, when reopening, the following areas will need attention and to be investigated:
- The pipes and plumbing (if there is running outdoor water)
- Lighting, lightbulbs, and anything else that's electrical
- accumulated trash or debris that needs to be removed
When these maintenance concerns are correctly handled, it promotes safety and allows procedures to run smoothly.
Your storefront dining furniture may be covered or packed somewhere. When it’s time to reorganize and assemble it, it’s a good idea to:
- Sanitize and disinfect the furniture
- Make sure the furniture itself can withstand various types of weather
- Arrange the tables and chairs so that they provide space and are comfortable
- Check that someone correctly stored it
- Ensure it’s still good quality and functional
Since your seasonal dining furniture is where your guests will spend all their time, confirming that it’s safe and comfortable will always work in your favor.
Because Seattle has a temperate climate and receives a healthy amount of rain, some measures must be implemented while prepping for outdoor dining. Some of these measures are:
- Having tables with umbrellas or an overall cover for your storefront dining area
- Having a system to dry off outdoor furniture after it has rained
- Making sure if tableware gets wet that it is properly cleaned
- Using a space heater, fans, or whatever else is necessary to warm up or dry the patio
In addition to being equipped for rainy days, be sure that all preparations follow the state laws and regulations and that they fall in line with Seattle city code. Doing so lets you weather anything and will be in good standing with the city.
One of the most vital parts of putting together your outdoor dining area is having a plan for frequent upkeep. No matter how it gets done, doing so is very advantageous as it:
- Is a preventative measure for any damage or neglect
- Keeps your storefront looking professional
- It is inviting for customers
- Keeps your storefront dining area nice and neat for a more extended time
Hiring cleaning professionals or having employees complete the tasks can help maintain upkeep. Creating this maintenance plan style will give your customers a more pleasant dining experience.
As the time for outdoor dining gets closer, it’s fundamental that restaurants make preparations. These include thoroughly cleaning the outdoor eating area and arranging the dining furniture. Additionally, taking care of maintenance concerns, prepping for weather, and creating a plan to keep the restaurant cleaned up regularly are also high priorities. By implementing these practices, your storefront dining area will be ready.