What are the 5 factors to consider when choosing an awning for your restaurant? Here are the answers! In this post we’ll explain:
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What style of awning to choose;
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How to select the size;
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Fabrics to consider;
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What is the difference between a retractable and fixed awning;
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What additional features and elements to consider.
We’ll also discuss other factors that you or your client as a business owner may want to consider when choosing restaurant awnings.
Adding awnings to your restaurant will enhance your business and your customers’ experience. Awnings may be simple or elaborate additions to the entry, windows, or a full patio cover that enlarges the seating space. Protecting your outdoor customers from the sun and precipitation will improve your restaurant’s reputation and increase your revenues.
1. Awning Style
The style of awning you or your client wishes to add depends on the building style and what you want it for. The location may work better with a country look or Mediterranean style. Awnings are easy to attach to a building’s exterior, can be fixed or retractable, or be freestanding or attached pergola type awnings.
Awnings for restaurant windows and doors create the first impression customers see. They provide protection from the sun both inside and outdoors. They can be custom designed in different shapes, fabric, frame material, and be fixed or retractable.
Restaurant awnings or canopies can enhance the look of the restaurant, protect the customers from the elements, advertise your restaurant, and make it stand out from other restaurants.
The best way to choose an awning for your restaurant is to determine where you need or want it, what purpose it is to fulfill, and then select the style that best meets your requirements.
2. Size
The awning size depends on what you want it to protect, and how much space you have available. If you wish to add awnings to windows or doors to reduce solar glare and gain, the window or door determines the size.
Restaurant patio coverage is determined by the outdoor space you wish to protect. Attaching an awning to the building to cover an attached outdoor dining space is an option. If the outdoor space is away from the building, a pergola style awning may be the solution. These are important details in the design of your restaurant patio cover.
Select the restaurant canopy size that covers what you want to be covered; slightly larger is always better than too small.
3. Fabrics Considerations
Restaurant canopies are available in numerous colors, patterns, and fabrics. Colors and patterns can be customized to complement restaurant branding. Fabrics can also be printed with the restaurant name and logo to help attract customers.
Restaurant patio covers can be canvas, synthetics fabrics, plastics, or metal. The fabric can be UV treated, waterproof or water-resistant, and resistant to mold, rot, and rust and should be fire retardant in most locations. Cheap fabrics will fade fast, tear, crack or split over time. High-quality vinyl or solution-dyed acrylic fabric suitable for the climate your restaurant is located in is best.
The best fabric for a restaurant patio cover is high-quality, fire retardant material suitable for your climate that is UV protected, rot and mold resistant, and compliments your branding.
4. Retractable vs Fixed Awning
Restaurant patio awnings can create an outdoor dining experience that will entice customers in and bring them back. A permanent or fixed awning is always extended and protects your clientele and the furniture from the elements. It could have a fabric cover, metal panels, slats or lattice.
The restaurant awning could be a retractable awning that can be extended or retracted depending on the weather. A detachable manual crank can be used, but a motorized model enables any staff member to open or close the awning at the touch of a button, remote control transmitter or even using a smartphone or tablet. Additionally, sun, rain, motion and wind sensors work with motorized models to protect your investment. Retractable awnings also store away from the weather in a protective cassette or under an optional hood/cover.
A retractable awning can be extended when needed and retracted when not. A fixed awning stays out year-round or can be dismantled and the fabric stored.
5. Additional Features and Elements
Restaurant awnings can have additional features or elements that will enhance your customers’ dining experience. Lighting, speakers, fans, and heaters make dining more enjoyable and extend the length of time the outdoor space can be used.
Retractable side walls also known as retractable screens are another feature that can be added to protect customers from the sun, wind, rain, pollen and even insects. They can roll down or be sliding panels that make the dining experience more memorable. Manual or motorized, wind, sun, and rain sensors, tablet and smartphone controllers with timers are other factors to consider.
Choose additional features or elements that will enhance your customers’ dining experience and encourage repeat visits.
Summing Things Up
Restaurant awnings enhance and advertise your business, protect restaurant visitors, improve the restaurant’s reputation and revenues, and make it stand out from others. If you want to get more information on the subject or in need of the best awning for your restaurant check out our website catalog. You will find lots of reliable models at affordable prices!
