The Complete Guide to Setting Up Outdoor Dining for Restaurants

Summer's just around the corner, and with it comes a fantastic opportunity to boost your restaurant's capacity whilst creating brilliant al fresco dining experiences for your customers. Whether you're planning a permanent outdoor dining area or getting ready for seasonal service, choosing the right kit and tableware is absolutely crucial.

Why Outdoor Dining Is Essential for Your Restaurant

Outdoor dining has moved beyond being just a nice-to-have – it's become essential for restaurants looking to maximise capacity and offer something special. Research shows that restaurants with outdoor seating can boost their revenue by 20-30% during the warmer months.

Key Benefits of Outdoor Dining:

• Increased seating capacity without costly interior refurbishments
• Enhanced customer experience with fresh air and natural atmosphere
• Opportunity to attract new customers who fancy outdoor settings
• Competitive edge over restaurants without outdoor options
• Higher profit margins on the same floor space
• Essential Kit for Outdoor Dining Success
• Durable Plates and Bowls

Outdoor dining demands tableware that can handle wind, temperature changes, and the odd tumble. Traditional ceramic plates, whilst elegant, can be a bit impractical for outdoor use.

Top Recommendations:

• Melamine plates and bowls: Lightweight, hard-wearing, and available in attractive designs that look like ceramic
• Stainless steel serving pieces: Perfect for sharing plates and family-style dining
• BPA-free plastic dinnerware: Cost-effective option for casual outdoor dining

Pro Tip: Go for plates with slightly raised edges to stop food sliding off when it's breezy.

Weather-Resistant Glassware

Proper glassware elevates an outdoor dining experience like nothing, but traditional glass can be risky and impractical outdoors.

Smart Glassware Solutions:

Polycarbonate wine glasses: Look exactly like glass but won't shatter if dropped
Stemless options: Much more stable when it's windy
Toughened glass: If you prefer real glass, choose toughened varieties that handle temperature changes better

At Kitchway, our Stolzle glassware collection offers both traditional and polycarbonate options that are spot-on for outdoor service.

Serving Trays and Platters

Efficient service is crucial for outdoor dining success. The right serving equipment helps your staff move food quickly and safely from kitchen to table.

Essential Serving Equipment:

Aluminum sheet pans: Perfect for prepping large quantities of grilled items
Non-slip serving trays: Prevent accidents when carrying multiple items
Stackable serving platters: Save storage space and create elegant presentations

Our aluminum half-size sheet pans (457mm x 330mm) are particularly popular with restaurants doing outdoor BBQ service—they're durable, lightweight, and perfect for high-volume prep work.

Food Storage and Safety Considerations
Temperature-Controlled Storage

Outdoor dining presents unique food safety challenges. Proper storage equipment is essential for maintaining food quality and meeting health regulations.

Must-Have Storage Solutions:

Insulated food carriers: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold during transport
Sealed storage containers: Protect ingredients from insects and contamination
Ice bins and coolers: Essential for keeping beverages and perishables at safe temperatures

Our round polycarbonate food storage containers are perfect for outdoor prep areas—they're transparent for easy identification, stackable for space efficiency, and completely food-safe.

Portable Prep Stations

Having prep capability near your outdoor dining area speeds up service and ensures food quality.

Recommended Prep Equipment:

Cutting boards with handles: Easy to transport and clean
Stackable prep containers: Organize ingredients efficiently
Portable hand-washing stations: Essential for food safety compliance
Creating an Efficient Outdoor Service System
Streamlined Table Settings

Outdoor table settings should be functional yet attractive. Consider the wind factor when choosing linens and decorative elements.

Best Practices:

Use heavier napkins or napkin weights to prevent flying
Choose tablecloths with clips or weights
Provide covered condiment stations to prevent contamination
Include covered waste receptacles at each table
Staff Training for Outdoor Service

Your team needs specific training for outdoor service challenges:

Key Training Points:

Carrying techniques for windy conditions
Food safety protocols for outdoor environments
Customer service approaches for outdoor dining
Emergency procedures for weather changes
Seasonal Equipment Maintenance
End-of-Season Storage

Proper storage extends the life of your outdoor dining equipment:

Storage Best Practices:

Clean all equipment thoroughly before storage
Store in dry, ventilated areas
Stack carefully to prevent damage
Create inventory lists for easy setup next season
Regular Cleaning Protocols

Outdoor equipment requires more frequent cleaning due to exposure to elements:

Daily Cleaning Routine:

Wipe down all surfaces with food-safe sanitizers
Check for weather damage or wear
Secure loose items before closing
Empty and clean all storage containers
Budget-Friendly Outdoor Dining Solutions
Phased Implementation

You don't need to invest in everything at once. Consider a phased approach:

Phase 1: Basic Setup

Essential plates, bowls, and glasses
Basic serving trays and storage
Simple table settings

Phase 2: Enhanced Service

Specialized serving equipment
Upgraded glassware
Additional prep tools

Phase 3: Premium Experience

High-end tableware options
Specialized cooking equipment
Advanced storage solutions
Cost-Effective Equipment Choices

Money-Saving Tips:

Buy versatile pieces that work both indoors and outdoors
Choose durable materials that last multiple seasons
Consider bulk purchasing for better pricing
Invest in quality storage to protect your investment
Common Outdoor Dining Mistakes to Avoid
Equipment-Related Errors
Using inappropriate tableware: Ceramic plates and regular glassware in windy conditions
Insufficient storage: Not having enough secure storage for food and supplies
Poor prep planning: Inadequate prep space near outdoor dining areas
Ignoring weather factors: Not preparing for sudden weather changes
Service Issues
Understaffing: Outdoor service often requires more staff than indoor
Poor layout: Inefficient traffic flow between kitchen and outdoor area
Inadequate lighting: Customers need to see their food clearly
Lack of backup plans: No indoor alternatives during weather changes
Maximizing Your Outdoor Dining Investment
Menu Optimization

Certain foods work better for outdoor dining:

Outdoor-Friendly Menu Items:

Grilled foods that can be prepared on-site
Finger foods and appetizers for easy eating
Dishes that taste good at room temperature
Items that don't require extensive plating
Marketing Your Outdoor Space

Promotion Strategies:

Highlight your outdoor dining on social media
Offer outdoor-specific menu items
Create special events for your outdoor space
Partner with local events and festivals
Getting Started with Kitchway

At Kitchway, we understand the unique challenges of outdoor dining. Our extensive range of commercial-grade tableware and restaurant supplies includes everything you need for successful outdoor service.

Why Choose Kitchway for Your Outdoor Dining Needs:

Quality products at competitive prices: We source high-quality equipment at the lowest possible prices
Fast delivery: Lightning-fast checkout and speedy delivery across the UK
Expert advice: Our team understands the restaurant industry's unique challenges
Flexible ordering: Order online without an account, or set up a business account for better pricing and dedicated support

Popular Outdoor Dining Products:

Aluminum sheet pans for BBQ prep and serving
Stackable storage containers for organized outdoor prep
Polycarbonate glassware that looks elegant but won't break
Durable serving trays designed for professional use
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Dining?

Creating a successful outdoor dining experience requires the right equipment, proper planning, and attention to detail. With the right tableware and storage solutions, you can create an outdoor dining space that increases revenue, delights customers, and sets your restaurant apart from the competition.

Next Steps:

Assess your current equipment: What do you already have that works outdoors?
Plan your space: Consider traffic flow, weather protection, and service efficiency
Choose your equipment: Start with essentials and build from there
Train your team: Ensure staff understands outdoor service protocols
Market your space: Let customers know about your fantastic outdoor dining option

Ready to get started? Browse our extensive collection of restaurant supplies and tableware perfect for outdoor dining. For larger orders or personalized recommendations, contact our team at 020-3519-0267 or email sales@kitchway.com.

Transform your outdoor space into a profitable dining destination with quality equipment from Kitchway—your trusted partner in restaurant success.