A Guide to Creating a Unique Al Fresco Dining Environment
If you are thinking of moving into the restaurant business and are looking to create a unique al fresco dining environment, this article was written with you in mind. The success of any restaurant lies firmly in the dining experience and with the right ambience, friendly service and a great menu, it is possible to build a business that has people coming back for more.
Finding the Right Location
As we all know, location is everything with a restaurant, so spend as much time as is necessary to find the ideal location. If you are looking to rent a building for this purpose, make sure the tenancy agreement does not restrict you in any way and there are adequate parking facilities. You also need a renewal option that gives you at least 5 years, with the possibility of a further renewal. Once you have found the ideal venue, your thoughts can turn to décor.
Fully Retractable Awnings
No al fresco diner would be complete without stylish and elegant awnings and with online suppliers of retractable awnings in Melbourne that are tailored to fit the setting, you can create the perfect restaurant shading. There are many different fabric designs and colours, allowing you to match the awning with the existing surroundings and with a motorised unit, adjustment is effortless. The traditional al fresco stripes will give your customers that Mediterranean feeling, while enjoying your varied menu and with a wide range of colour options, finding the right combination is not an issue.
Outdoor Furniture
Durability, comfort and good looks are the most important factors when selecting your outdoor tables and chairs, which might be found with a resin wicker design, or perhaps aluminium frames with fabric covering. A quick Google image search will give you some inspiration if you are stuck for ideas on furniture designs and you need to bear in mind that the furniture will be exposed to the elements.
Lighting
The lighting is a critical component of the right ambience and with table lamps for task lighting and subtle wall units, you can achieve a warm and inviting glow that is ideal for those hot summer evenings. LED solutions allow you to be very creative with lighting and by using LED strips in various locations, you can illuminate the terrace in a unique way.
The Staff
Like any service-based business, your choice of staff is critical. Look for people with a friendly, outgoing personality who have a “can do” attitude, preferably with some waiting experience. If you are planning to manage the restaurant yourself, make sure your communication skills are top notch and you can lead by example.
Of course, your menu should be varied and cater for your target groups, with a selection of vegetarian dishes, along with a speciality dish. Making a restaurant successful is a combination of many aspects and with the right setting and a good menu selection, there’s no reason why your restaurant won’t be a success.
