The beauty of a coffee shop is that it attracts all sorts of people, from the young professional trying to get work done to old friends just trying to catch up. However, when owning a coffee shop, that means it’s important to stand out. Although you have a potential wealth of customers, you also have a wealth of competition.
An aesthetic cafe exterior and some great outdoor seating could do wonders for bringing in and retaining customers, making your place their go-to. Coffee shops with patios can do much better than coffee shops without, but it involves knowing how to make your patio an inviting and welcoming space.
The Importance of Offering Coffee with Outdoor Seating
Although coffee shops with patios are so inviting, they are also an expense. Many people won’t bother to give their coffee shop an outdoor space, but they’d be making a mistake in doing so.
Having covered outdoor seating makes the space far more versatile and means customers are less likely to pass up your place. If someone has been working inside all day or has been cooped up at home, they’ll choose a coffee shop where they can enjoy the fresh air. If it’s a beautiful day outside, they’ll choose the coffee shop where they can enjoy an iced coffee in the sun.
As well as that, it increases the visibility of your coffee shop. People passing by are able to see your space and may be more enticed to come in and make their own order.
How to Enhance Your Outdoor Coffee Shop
So now that you know the importance of having an indoor and outdoor coffee shop, how do you enhance the outdoor space? There are a few ways.
Comfortable Seating
Just because the space is outside doesn’t mean that the seating should be wooden, rickety chairs. Make sure you choose comfortable furniture, so that sitting outside isn’t a compromise. Don’t be afraid to put cushions down as long as your patio is well-protected, and you could even consider benches so people can sit closer together and really make some memories there.
Plants and Greenery
Plants and greenery can make any outdoor space more inviting. If you don’t want to deal with the upkeep of plants, you can choose plant species that don’t require much work, or even place fake ones to give the illusion of greenery without the maintenance.
Nice Lighting
Don’t forget that when winter rolls in, evenings will get darker earlier and you’ll still want to make the space seem cozy. There’s no better way to do this than by installing aesthetic lighting. Try having string lights across the walls or soft glowing lamps in the corners to light up the space without making everything seem all too harsh.
Food and Coffee Cart
For convenience, consider having a food and/or coffee cart outside on the patio. That way, people don’t have to lose their seat to go inside and refill, and they can keep an eye on their belongings while they do—increasing security at the same time!
If you don’t have the budget or staff for that, even a small bar outside with various toppings and mix-ins like sugar and cocoa is a nice touch.
Games and Activities
Create a bonding experience for customers by having activities outside. You could have coloring sheets and crayons for kids, as well as provide board games for adults.
This is a cheap investment that makes a huge difference to your space and makes your coffee shop all the more memorable.
Clear Vinyl Curtains
If you’re going to put all of this effort into the space, then you need to make sure it’s protected. Clear vinyl curtains can keep your furniture and your guests protected from bad weather while allowing them to continue to enjoy the outdoor space. They also won’t force them to compromise on the view!
Choose Enclosure Guy for Your Outdoor Patio Plastic Enclosures
If you’re investing in your outdoor space and want to make sure it’s protected, our clear vinyl curtains are the way to go. We’re proud to say our curtains provide protection in all climates of the USA, from the harsh sun to extreme winds and storms, making sure you never have to shut down the outdoor space you’ve put so much love into.
You can also roll them up and down, depending on your mood and the weather outside.
Our clear vinyl curtains can be customized for any patio, and we’re happy to fit them to yours. Our many years of experience means we know what we’re doing, and you won’t be left disappointed by the experience or the product.
To get a quick quote or answers to some questions, contact us today on our website or call us at (830) 445-4500.