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9 Essential Outdoor Dining Tips, Products, and Solutions for High-Volume Summer Menus
As summer makes an entrance, Foodbuy Members have a golden opportunity to elevate their outdoor dining experience. With the right strategies and products, your patio or dining space can become a high-traffic destination that delights guests and boosts revenue.
Optimal Patio Dining
Design an Inviting and Functional Outdoor Space
A well-designed patio is the foundation of a great outdoor dining experience. Start by assessing your space – consider its size, shape, location characteristics, and natural features to maximize seating without overcrowding. The goal is a layout that feels open yet cozy, with smooth navigation for staff and guests alike.
Prepare Your Patio for All-Season Success
Don’t let unpredictable weather and inclement conditions cut your summer season short. Invest in protective covers and awnings and durable patio solutions that shield guests and widen ease of use.
Showcase a Summer Menu That Shines
Your menu should celebrate summer’s bounty and complement the al fresco vibe. Focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients that feel light and flavorful.
Insights into Summer Success
Here are 9 curated tips, paired with innovative solutions from top manufacturers, to help Foodbuy restaurants and procurement teams create unforgettable summertime outdoor experiences.
1. Optimize Layouts with Space-Saving, Durable Tabletop Solutions
Maximize seating capacity without sacrificing comfort by selecting lightweight, stackable, and weather-resistant tabletop products. Rosseto Mobile Modular Table System (setting new standards for buffet displays), Cal-Mil’s Bento Boxes (ideal for perfectly portioned meals) and Steelite’s PowerCell battery-operated induction units (reliable portable warming solutions) streamline service while maintaining aesthetic appeal. These products are optimal for high-volume settings where efficiency and durability matter.
2. Diversify Dining Experiences with Versatile Serveware
Create a dynamic patio atmosphere by mixing seating styles and complementing them with adaptable serveware. Verterra’s eco-friendly disposable products offer convenience for casual outdoor dining, while Steelite’s Strahl unbreakable poly glassware ensures safety by the pool or in high-traffic patio areas.
Explore Verterra’s Eco-Friendly Products
Explore Steelite Strahl Collection
3. Zone Your Space with Portable Cooking and Serving Gear
Divide your patio into themed “nooks” using plants or screens and enhance each zone with specialized equipment. For cooking stations, Eastern’s EcoBurner and EcoServe (with wind-resistant fuel) keeps chafers hot safely, while Cal-Mil’s induction units provide a modern way to showcase live cooking – perfect for grilling or preparing fresh-made entrees.
Explore Eastern Tabletop Products
4. Weatherproof with Smart Technology and Materials
Invest in sturdy structures with thicker canvas coverings to expand patio usability. Then capitalize on Steelite PowerCell induction units, which operate flawlessly outdoors. These solutions ensure seamless service rain or shine.
5. Craft a Seasonal Menu with Portable Presentation
Highlight fresh, local ingredients in light, shareable dishes that thrive outdoors. Rosseto innovative serving solutions, Cal-Mil’s Bento Boxes, and Verterra’s compostable plates are ideal for showcasing vibrant salads or small bites. Eastern’s EcoBurner and EcoServe heating products safely keep buffet lines hot without open flames – a must for catered events or self-service setups.
Explore Verterra’s Eco-Friendly Products
Explore Eastern Tabletop Products
6. Serve Signature Beverages in Poolside-Proof Glassware
Summer drinks should be as refreshing as they are Instagram-worthy. Three premium plastic drinkware collections remarkably resemble glassware: Libbey Infinium, FOH Drinkwise, and Steelite Strahl. These brilliant glass-like products mimic the look of crystal without the risk of breakage, making it perfect for sangria, mocktails, and craft cocktails poolside or on the patio.
Explore FOH Drinkwise Collection
Explore Libbey Infinium Collection
Explore Steelite Strahl Collection
7. Add Outdoor Cooking Stations
Draw attention with open-air cooking stations featuring Cal-Mil induction units for grilling or Eastern’s EcoBurner and EcoServe for reliable, steady heat. Go the extra mile with interactive experiences like a DIY taco bar or a canapés station.
Explore Eastern Tabletop Products
8. Incorporate Natural Elements with Durable Accents
Enhance the al fresco feel with potted plants and wooden decor while also keeping the dining experience high and maintenance low with FOH eco-chic Natural Materials serveware, Steelite Strahl poly glassware (resistant to UV fading), and Verterra’s biodegradable plates. Together, these innately cultured and seasonally distinctive product lines blend sustainability with the organic textures of outdoor spaces.
Explore Steelite Strahl Collection
Explore Verterra’s Eco-Friendly Products
9. Prioritize Guest Comfort with Climate Control and Disposables
Combat heat with misters and chilly evenings with heaters. Steelite PowerCell units also double as portable warming stations for self-serve areas.
Transform Your Patio Into a Profit Center
Outdoor dining isn’t just about extra seats – it’s a chance to differentiate your brand. By integrating these tips and products, restaurants can create immersive, efficient, and profitable summer experiences. Supply America’s partnerships with Cal-Mil, Steelite, Eastern, FOH, Verterra, Libbey, and other leading manufacturers ensure you’ll find everything needed to execute these solutions seamlessly.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Contact your Foodbuy Account Manager to explore Supply America’s wide range of outdoor dining products that will elevate your operation while keeping sustainability and efficiency in focus.