Outdoor dining has become an integral part of the restaurant experience, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy delicious meals in the fresh air and under the open sky. Whether it's a charming sidewalk cafe, a cosy patio nestled in a garden, or a bustling terrace with panoramic views, outdoor seating areas add a unique dimension to the dining experience.
However, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of outdoor seating areas presents its own set of challenges for restaurant owners and managers. Aside from weather-related debris, there’s also a concern about insects and vermin. Finally, exposure to the elements like the rain and UV rays from the sun can cause discolouration and premature wear on outdoor furniture.
Simply put, outdoor spaces require diligent upkeep to ensure they remain clean, inviting, and sanitary for customers. To help you in this quest, here are some key practices and tips for keeping your restaurant’s outdoor seating area a pristine oasis for al fresco dining enjoyment.
Establish a Cleaning Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining outdoor seating areas, so establish a comprehensive cleaning schedule that outlines daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks. Daily tasks may include sweeping surfaces and wiping down tables, while weekly tasks could involve deep cleaning and sanitising high-touch surfaces.
For an easy-to-follow schedule, you can have your staff conduct basic cleanups and then hire a professional cleaning company for more intensive cleaning. Working with experienced restaurant cleaners like Crewcare is crucial to ensure best practices in food-safe cleaning.
Sweep and Remove Debris Promptly
For regular maintenance, the best thing to do is to keep up with sweeping the outdoor area to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris. Use a broom or, if noise isn’t an issue, a leaf blower. You can also use a pressure washer to clean sidewalks, patio surfaces, and outdoor furniture thoroughly. Pay attention to corners and crevices, as these places are where dust and debris tends to accumulate.
Keep Tables and Chairs in Good Shape
Keep tables, chairs, and other furniture clean and presentable by wiping them down regularly with a mild soap solution and water. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away stains, spills, and residue, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Also, consider using a food-safe disinfectant to sanitise surfaces between customers. Do note that different materials will require different cleaning products (e.g., plastic versus wood furniture).
Address Spills Promptly
Have your staff address spills and stains promptly to prevent them from setting in or attracting insects like ants, cockroaches, and other pests. Keep absorbent materials like paper towels or cloth rags readily available for quick cleanup, and include routine table checks throughout service hours in your daily cleaning schedule.
Sanitise Surfaces
Regularly sanitise tables, chairs, and other high-touch surfaces using disinfectant wipes or a solution of water and bleach; pay special attention to areas where food is served or consumed. Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application. Finally, allow surfaces to air dry completely before use.
Treat for Pests
As mentioned, among the biggest concerns for restaurants with outdoor dining spaces are pests like cockroaches and rats. To counter this, implement a proactive pest control program to prevent infestations and deter pests from congregating in the outdoor seating area. Use traps, baits, or natural deterrents as appropriate. If you detect signs of pest activity, report them immediately to your pest control provider and conduct prompt measures in the meantime to prevent contamination.
Inspect for Damage
Outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to sun, rain, and dust, so make it a habit to check them for any damage. In particular, beyond tables and chairs, inspect umbrellas and fixtures and repair or replace them as needed to ensure the safety and appearance of the seating area.
Consider Weather Protection
To minimise damage to outdoor furniture, invest in weather-resistant options, as well as protective coverings like umbrellas or canopies. Also, remove cushions, pillows, and other fabric items during inclement weather to prevent mould and mildew growth. For waiting spaces outside the restaurant, consider installing awnings to provide shade and shelter for customers.
Stay Environmentally Conscious
You can lower the environmental impact of your cleaning and maintenance activities by using eco-friendly cleaning products and practices. Dispose of cleaning waste properly and recycle materials whenever feasible, and consider implementing sustainable initiatives such as composting or rainwater harvesting to reduce water usage and waste.
A clean and inviting outdoor seating area provides an enjoyable and memorable dining experience for their customers. By implementing the methods outlined in this guide, restaurant owners and managers can ensure that their outdoor spaces remain pristine, welcoming, and sanitary.
Moreover, a well-maintained outdoor seating area becomes not just a place to enjoy a meal—it's an extension of the restaurant's brand and commitment to excellence that will keep diners coming back for more. So, let's raise a toast to outdoor dining done right!