How to Prep your Restaurant for Patio Season

In cities like Toronto, where patio season is a major highlight of the year, getting outdoor spaces ready is essential. From May to mid-October, patios are packed with customers eager to enjoy the sunshine and great food. If your city just finished getting through a grueling winter, then patio season is a huge opportunity for your restaurant, and April is the time to prepare and ramp up for the busy months ahead.

To ensure your space is fully ready, we’ve put together a quick guide covering key steps to help you transition seamlessly into patio season.

Maximize Kitchen Efficiency

Your kitchen doesn’t need a complete transformation to handle patio season, but it does need to run smoothly. Instead of focusing on big-ticket equipment upgrades, look for smaller changes that can speed up prep and cooking times. This could mean reorganizing workstations, introducing better prep tools, or even making slight modifications to your menu to keep things running efficiently during peak hours.

Build a Patio-Friendly Food & Drink Menu

Nothing pairs better with patio dining than a great selection of food and drinks. Try introducing seasonal cocktails, lemonades, infused waters, and drinks from local wineries and breweries to add a fresh twist to your traditional menu.

Your patio menu should cater to outdoor dining while keeping kitchen stress in check. Seasonal ingredients, lighter fare, and grill-friendly options can keep dishes fresh and manageable. Consider heat-resistant plating and packaging for takeout-friendly outdoor dining. Quick-fire options like flatbreads, skewers, and vibrant salads can help speed up service while still impressing guests.

Stock Up

With the increase in outdoor dining, you’ll need to ensure your inventory can keep up. Extra glassware, durable outdoor-friendly plates, and additional cutlery are essential to prevent slowdowns in service. Consider investing in shatter or chip-resistant options for safety and longevity. Having enough backup smallwares like trays, pitchers, and serving utensils will help staff manage the rush without constant trips to the kitchen.

Choose Durable, Weather-Resistant Furnishings

Outdoor dining means exposure to unpredictable elements, so choosing the right furniture is key. Look for durable, weatherproof tables and chairs that can withstand wind, rain, and sun exposure. Sturdy umbrellas, retractable awnings, and patio heaters can also help extend the usability of your space throughout changing seasons. You can shop our entire outdoor furniture here.

For a stylish, long-lasting option, check out our Nardi collection. Made in Italy, this high-quality resin furniture resists UV rays, rain, and extreme temperatures—perfect for commercial patios. Lightweight, easy to clean, and designed for small spaces, Nardi blends durability with modern aesthetics.

Prepare Your Staff for Patio-Specific Challenges

Running a patio isn’t the same as indoor service, and your staff needs to be prepared. From dealing with sudden weather shifts to managing a larger, more spread-out service area, training servers and kitchen staff on patio-specific challenges can prevent slowdowns. Ensure they’re equipped with efficient serving tools, proper tray handling techniques, and clear strategies for handling peak hours.

Set Your Patio Up for Success

By fine-tuning your menu, investing in the right furnishings, and ensuring your team is ready, your restaurant can take full advantage of patio season. A great patio deserves attention. Be sure to promote your outdoor space, highlight seasonal food and drink specials, and run patio promotions to bring in guests. Consider hosting live music, themed nights, or special menu offerings to make your patio a must-visit spot rather than just extra seating. With the right setup, your outdoor space can be a major draw all season long.