If your restaurant has an outdoor dining space or a patio, you probably already know that is precious real estate, especially during warm weather. However, did you know that you could be cashing in on that space year-round? All you need is an outdoor dining tent and a safe, reliable heat source. Keep reading to learn more.
Make the Most of Your Existing Space
The Covid pandemic wreaked havoc on most businesses, but none were hit harder than the hospitality industry. To stay in business, restaurants had to figure out how to serve customers and stay compliant with local and state regulations.
Fortunately, many cities have eased rules on patio or parking lot space usage. That’s why heated outdoor tents have proven to be a smart investment for many restaurants. You have probably seen photos on social media of these outdoor dining experiences. It’s actually become very fashionable to offer outdoor dining during winter months.
Some restaurants have even found that outdoor dining reservations have become more in-demand than indoor options. Patio tents for winter are perfect for family dining, as children have the freedom to move around. It’s also ideal for a romantic dinner for two or for friends who want to catch up.
Advantages of dining tents include:
- Extending the outdoor dining season
- Enabling diners to socially distance
- Creating a unique and desirable dining experience
- Providing family-friendly dining
- Additional revenue
Top 6 Tent Choices for Outdoor Dining
When it comes to dining tents, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. With so many styles out there, it can be tough to know which one actually fits your space, setup, and overall vision. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common options and where each one works best:
- Pop-Up Tents: Typically 10x10 or similar small sizes, pop-up tents are quick and easy to set up, often by just one person. They’re a great fit for food booths, farmers markets, or small dining setups with a few tables.
- High Peak Tents: A step up in both durability and appearance, high peak tents offer commercial-grade materials with a relatively simple setup. Their smaller sizes make them ideal for weekend events or temporary dining spaces that still need a polished look.
- Frame Tents: The most popular choice for dining tents. With no center poles, you get a fully open layout that makes it easy to arrange tables, walkways, and service areas. They’re also well-suited for long-term use, making them a go-to for restaurant patios.
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Clear Top Tents: A variation of a frame tent with a transparent top, clear tents create a more upscale dining experience. They’re especially popular for evening service or fall dining, where guests can enjoy the atmosphere while staying covered. Just keep in mind they can trap heat in direct sunlight.
- Keder Tents: Built for long-term installations, keder tents feature a track system that creates a tight, clean look. One major advantage is the ability to remove the fabric in bad weather without taking down the frame, helping protect your investment.
- Pole Tents: Common at festivals and large events, pole tents use center poles and require staking. While they can cover large areas, the interior poles can limit layout flexibility, making them less common for permanent or semi-permanent outdoor dining setups.
Still not sure which direction to go? Download our Tent Purchasing Guide for a full breakdown of your options and help finding the right fit for your space.
Need a custom tent for your outdoor dining space?
We’ll help you design a setup that fits your layout, your brand, and your busiest nights. From sizing and layout to colors and printing, our team will make sure it works the way you need it to. Reach out by calling 920-431-0938 today to get started.
8 Accessories That Take Your Dining Tent Further
The right tent is just the start. A few key accessories can turn your setup into a comfortable, polished dining space that guests actually want to stay in.
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Drop Cloth: Protect your tent during setup and takedown. They help prevent dirt, scuffs, and damage so your tent stays clean and looking professional.
- Sidewalls: Add protection from wind, light rain, and cold temps. They also create a more private, enclosed feel for reserved events or upscale dining experiences.
- Tent Ballasting System: Setting up on concrete or asphalt? A ballasting system safely anchors your tent without damaging the surface.
- Frame Jack: For larger frame tents or smaller crews, frame jacks make installation easier and more controlled. They save time and reduce strain on your team.
- Lighting: Most commercial tents use blockout fabric, which means little to no natural light gets through. Plan for lighting to create the right atmosphere and keep the space functional after dark.
- Flooring: Flooring instantly elevates the space. It creates a more stable surface, improves safety, and gives guests a better overall experience.
- Furniture: Choose tables and chairs that are both comfortable and built for outdoor use. The right setup helps tie the whole space together.
- Climate Control: Keep guests comfortable year-round with heaters in the winter or cooling options in the summer. A comfortable space means longer stays and better service flow.
Which Outdoor Heaters Should Restaurants Use?
Propane-fueled Heaters
One option for outdoor restaurant tents is propane-fueled heaters. Propane heat uses propane gas to heat up appliances, fireplaces, and space heaters. Propane gas is ideal for tent use because it is colorless and odorless. Propane heat does have its disadvantages. Your upfront investment may be higher than electric space heaters, and you’ll have to purchase fuel for refills. The advantages of propane include:
- Environmentally friendly: Propane is known to be "green" energy and is an approved alternative fuel by the EPA.
- Affordability: Propane is more cost-effective and efficient than electric heat.
- Comfort: The heat from propane is warmer than that from electric heaters.
- Efficiency: Propane heaters send out blasts of heat in shorter intervals.
- Versatility: Propane heaters are portable and can be used in various settings.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters offer another solid option to heat patio tents for winter. These heaters emit invisible infrared light that is absorbed by your body. The heat from infrared heaters feels a lot like the sun’s rays. One consideration for infrared heat is safety. Because the coils that give off heat can get extremely hot, you’ll have to make sure to keep an eye on young children. Another disadvantage is that it only heats a space as long as it’s running; that means it needs to run continuously. Some of the advantages of infrared heaters include:
- Speed: As soon as you turn them, infrared heaters feel like a blast of warm sunshine.
- Pollutant free: Infrared heaters don’t emit pollutants, such as carbon combustion or toxic byproducts.
- Safety: Infrared heat does not require potentially dangerous open flames or fuel lines.
- Ease of use: Just plug it in without worries about refueling or maintenance.
- Efficiency: A single heater can quickly heat up to 1,000 square feet of space.
- Cost-effective: When you flip the switch, 100% of the heat is transferred to your tent space.
5 Creative Outdoor Dining Ideas in Winter
After you’ve ensured that your local jurisdiction allows outdoor tent dining, it’s time to start planning. First, you’ll have to measure and determine what size and/or how many tents you’ll need. Just like with indoor dining, every seat for outdoor dining is a potential revenue source, so you’ll want to be strategic in your planning. You’ll also want to reassure your customers by letting them know that tents will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between every dining reservation. The good news is that now you get to be creative! Consider all of the different types of dining experiences you could provide. Some examples of themed outdoor tent dining include:
- Corporate Party: Whether you’re hosting a corporate holiday party, an end-of-year celebration, or a winter launch event, adding a tent gives your restaurant the space and comfort to take on larger bookings with confidence.
- Igloo experience: Make your tent dining room into a winter wonderland. Keep the color scheme primarily white, with cozy blankets and pillows for comfort. Use outdoor icicle string lights to create an even more winter ambiance.
- Holiday fun: Take advantage of the holidays for fun decor. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day typically fall during cooler temperatures in most regions, making outdoor tent dining ideal. You’ll have no problem finding seasonal decorations to make your tent festive and fun.
- Dinner for two: Soft lighting, romantic music, and an elegant table spread will make a perfect date-night destination. Whether it’s an anniversary or a first date, a romantic tent dinner date will leave a lasting impression.
- Birthday party: If Covid keeps you from throwing a party for your children, the next best thing is a family tent party. Make their day special with balloons, streamers, and cake. Just be sure that your staff is ready to sing a boisterous, happy birthday chorus!
Benefits of Outdoor Winter Dining for Restaurants
Clearly, investing in an outdoor dining tent provides not only revenue benefits it also can create a unique customer experience that will improve brand loyalty. Your customers will appreciate the fact that you care enough and are continuously innovating to win their business.
Turn Outdoor Space into Revenue That Lasts with Dining Tents
Make the most of your space and keep tables full by expanding outdoors. Done right, it’s one of the easiest ways to increase capacity and revenue. But it only works if the structure can keep up. Lighter-duty tents often wear out after a single season, costing you more in the long run.
If you want real return on your investment, choose a tent built to last. Commercial-grade tents made with American-made vinyl are typically about 15% stronger and can last up to three times longer thanks to better UV resistance and overall durability.
Based in the Midwest, our team is focused on getting you what you need, when you need it. We keep lead times short so your tent arrives in time for your next busy stretch. And if you want to stand out, we can help with custom colors, printing, or even custom sizing to fit your space perfectly and reinforce your brand.
American Tent is the leading bar and restaurant tent manufacturer in the United States. If your restaurant is interested in adding an outdoor dining area in winter, please contact us. We’re happy to help!
