Outdoor Heating Systems Are Critical To The Alfresco Dining Experience

The old saying that it takes money to make money has never been truer than when it comes to investing in al fresco seating and outdoor heating solutions.

An article from Groupon for Merchants titled “Increasing Revenue for Your Restaurant with Outdoor Seating Ideas” provides a detailed analysis of the benefits of adding extra seating. Its findings might surprise restaurant owners who haven't yet committed to building a deck or patio. The profitability of outdoor seating and casual gathering spaces is multifaceted and highly lucrative.

“If you're looking for ways to boost revenue in your restaurant, outdoor seating is one of the best options. With outdoor seating, average restaurant revenue can increase by up to 30 percent. Transforming an unused outdoor space into a customer-friendly area increases your overall table availability and attracts customers who prefer a more festive dining atmosphere,” according to Groupon.

The Groupon for Merchants article goes on to highlight that casual open-air spaces also naturally encourage customers to spend more. While waiting for a table during a busy weekend dinner rush, patrons are often happy to enjoy a pre-meal drink or light appetizer on the restaurant's deck or patio. Regulars often incorporate this into their routine and bring friends along. These incentives remain in effect until the evenings grow too cold or until fall and winter force people indoors.

However, that 30 percent or more in additional revenue doesn't have to simply vanish. An outdoor heating system, using top-tier units, can keep guests comfortable year-round.

Design Spaces to Incorporate a Patio Heater for Restaurants

It's crucial to strategically plan fresh-air dining and gathering areas for all-season use. One common mistake business owners make is thinking about outdoor spaces exclusively for summer use. These types of decks are usually designed with open railings that let cool breezes flow freely. It's also not uncommon for restaurants to install retractable awnings to shield diners from the summer sun or rain.

Building solid low walls around the deck or patio base stabilizes the area against uneven wind gusts. Installing a fixed overhead structure involves a similar investment to an awning. However, it opens up other critical uses that can enhance the customer experience and the business's bottom line. One such use involves installing outdoor heating systems to help businesses maximize their space every day.

Boost Patio Usage with Outdoor Heating Solutions

One thing that holds some restaurant owners back from choosing a patio heater for their restaurants is concerns about fuel sources. There’s a misconception that commercial-grade patio heaters can only run on natural gas. While natural gas remains a cost-effective option, leading infrared radiant heater brands can also be powered by liquid propane and electricity, both of which are equally cost-effective. In terms of fuel sources, there are essentially no barriers to installing individual units or comprehensive outdoor heating systems. To illustrate this point, here are five leading types of patio heaters for restaurants.

Patio Comfort Heaters

The Patio Comfort heaters are classic mushroom-shaped outdoor patio heaters designed for versatile use. They house a liquid propane tank in their base and produce upwards of 40,000 BTUs. A 5-gallon cylinder typically provides up to 10 hours of consistent warmth within its coverage area. This patio heater line offers four stylish finishes to complement decor, including Stainless Steel, Antique Bronze, Jet/Silver, and Vintage Series. This self-contained model can be strategically placed to accommodate changing table and chair layouts.

For business owners who already have natural gas running to their kitchens and indoor heating systems, the Patio Comfort line offers a fixed-in-place option. The natural gas model maintains the same iconic mushroom-style aesthetic that patrons seek when considering a spot for outdoor dining and happy hour drinks.

Sunglo Patio Heaters

The Sunglo heaters are an evolved version of the classic mushroom heater. Available in black or stainless steel, they can also hold a portable propane tank in the base. Other models come with a sturdy pole that is anchored into the ground for permanent natural gas use.

But the A244 Sunglo heater takes it to the next level, stylistically. Producing upwards of 50,000 BTUs, this model can be hung from a ceiling, rafter, or overarching infrastructure. Using natural gas, the A244 is a decorative addition that resembles hanging lanterns.

Sunpak Patio Heaters

This box-style heater line produces 25,000 to 34,000 BTUs, depending on the model. It can be chosen with a black or stainless steel finish and mounted on ceilings, walls, or a sturdy post. Because it is fixed in place, Sunpak heaters come in natural gas or liquid propane models.

When smartly positioned, these box heaters cover 100 to 144 square feet of radiant heat. They can be installed with wall controls that include shutoff timers, and some models have remote controls.

Sunstar Patio Heaters

Another box-style model, the Sunstar patio heater is designed for areas prone to harsh weather conditions. They are ideal for decks and patios along marinas that experience ocean winds and saltwater exposure. The Sunstar models are also effective at preventing dust and airborne debris from negatively impacting the infrared heating elements.

This is achieved through the use of high-temperature tinted glass zinc-laced materials and black silicone powder-coated paint in the SGL model. Depending on the unit, a Sunstar patio heater for restaurants generates 24,000 to 35,000 BTUs. Sunstar offers natural gas and liquid propane models.

Infratech Electric Box Heaters

Many restaurant owners mistakenly assume that premium patio heaters don’t run on electricity. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The Infratech patio heater line was specifically designed for commercial and residential settings without access to natural gas, where liquid propane might be inconvenient. The Infratech infrared heaters only require a professionally installed, dedicated power source and can be installed on ceilings, walls, or strategically placed posts.

Infratech models generate 24,000 to 35,000 BTUs, using 2,000-6,000 watts. They are available in aesthetically pleasing stainless steel, black, and a sleek finish in some models. The Infratech Motif collection also features four stylish options for its front plates, including Contemporary, Craftsman, Mediterranean, and Traditional.

Invest in a Patio Heater for Your Restaurant

As the food enthusiasts at Groupon point out, al fresco dining and drinks spaces can boost restaurant profits by upwards of 30 percent. It would be counterproductive to invest in a deck or patio, tables, and chairs, and then shut it down when temperatures drop. A business owner would effectively be cutting revenue and failing to achieve the expected return on investment for the patio.

Outdoor heating systems enhance customer comfort and profitability while being a viable capital expenditure. Smart entrepreneurs recognize that outdoor patio heaters are a cost-effective way to drive profits.