Even though in countries where winters are cold and long people prefer venues with outdoors only on sunny summer days, this works a bit differently in our country. Of course it’s impossible to ignore the fact that venue that have a garden or terrace are more popular as the weather gets warmer. But in a city like Istanbul where outdoor spaces such as parks and gardens are not enough for this huge population, these types of establishments offer the luxury of having fun outdoors to their customers.
When this is the case, whether you own a restaurant, bar or cafe and you have an area where your customers can see the sky and breathe in the fresh air you must take advantage of this space. Opening these spaces to your customers will not only increase your customer capacity but will boost your revenues exponentially. Let’s point out that according to research, venues that offer their customers outdoor dining increase their revenues by 30%.
In this article, we will tell you about three different outdoor spaces you can open to your customers and different customer experiences you can create with small touches or medium sized organizations.
Use your Sidewalk
First of all, you don’t need a big yard or a terrace to offer outdoor dining to your customers. Don’t forget; how to use the space you have is more important than the size of that area
In fact, is there a more effective advertising than stumbling upon the fun conversation of a couple of friends sitting around a table on a sidewalk? And think about adding an instagrammable outdoor sitting area and a food-beverage menu that spreads inviting smells!
If your venue is on one of Istanbul’s narrow streets on a sidewalk you can start by throwşng a table and two chairs on the sidewalk. What you need to pay attention to is to pick a seating arrangement that is suited for this space.
Do you have a very narrow sidewalk? You can throw some pillows and two chairs on the sidewalk and turn the area into a vibrant space. If you have a wider area you can create a space where they can sit and snack or even dine.
Considering using elements that are harmonious with the texture of the neighborhood you’re located at will earn you bonus points. For example, you can choose the color and design of your tablecloths based on the prominent colors in the street or you can choose a streetlamp for lighting. You can even jazz up your sidewalk with a tall vase with flowers you can buy from the flower stand in the corner or use a small vase on tables to boost the fragrance.
Keep in mind that based on the weather and the location of your establishment you might need to use umbrellas and outdoor heaters and plan accordingly.
Differentiate your garden experience
If you have a yard, you need to have a seating arrangement that enables your customers to sit comfortably outdoors and use decorations that are in harmony with the rest of your venue. So have you ever thought of how you can differentiate this garden experience?
When it comes to food and beverage trends, we know that consumer preferences are quickly leaning towards organic products. So how about adapting the ‘from the garden to your table’ concept to your garden decoration? You can easily do this with fruit and vegetable beds you will use in your garden arrangement and might think of offering small portions of your produce to your customers. If you have enough produce that will be enough to cater to the demand you must include dishes in your menu made using these fruits and vegetables.
In addition, you can differentiate customer experience by organizing various events in your large garden. Who doesn’t want to spend a fun day on a nice weekend with friends and family? Let’s stress that you can easily boost food and beverage sales with special menus and discount drinks for these all-day events.
There are currently many games that will help you organize such events. We’ve already started compiling articles which include detailed information about these games.
Take Advantage of the Best Hour of your Terrace
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that terrace usage is very popular these days. Especially in big cities buildings are higher, not wider and gardens are replaced with terraces.
One of the best advantages of having a terrace is that you have a bird’s eye view of the city or the neighborhood. Whether it’s the view of the Bosporus or the city, you must know when your terrace has the most photogenic view. This will let you plan the details of your event and help decorate your terrace.
Hours closest to sunset are the busiest times for many venues with terraces. A nice happy hour or a cocktail party you will organize during these hours has the potential to draw in the masses. What will keep the same crowd at your venue throughout the night will directly depend on lighting, decoration, music and the menu you offer after sunset .
Finally
If you want to create an outdoor space fir for the usage of your clientele you mustn’t forget that there are many ways to do this. Whether this space is small or big, be sure that it will positively affect your customer experience and no matter how big your investment is the rewards will be great. No matter what type of space you will use, you can think of these five ground rules as your guide.
Pick lighting that goes well with the atmosphere of the space.
Use a comfortable seating arrangement that is harmonious with the design elements of the venue
Carry the music to the street, balcony, terrace and garden.
Don’t just offer a space, create an experience.
Make sure you have contingency plans for changing weather conditions
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