While our great Nation has been following all the laws, rules, and acts during these uncertain times, Canadians still need to eat. Social distancing is now a worldly must-do to contain and minimize this pandemic. Dining outside is currently everyone’s best bet to follow the rules provided to us. Staying safe while staying in business is crucial to a restaurant for the owner, staff, and the diners. Not only is Williams Food Equipment, a candy store to the home cook; we provide commercial and industrial tools, accessories, and equipment to a multitude of Canadian eateries as well. We accumulated a checklist for the diner and the restaurateur alike to stay in the culinary game.

If you're looking for more insights and tips with cooking the williams food equipment Blog is packed full of great information.

What Are Some Tips for Opening an Outdoor Restaurant Patio?

It is challenging to keep up with everything about the virus concerning food & people's safety. We have some of these issues covered for you from the patron side, the various laws, to all the outdoor equipment for your staff to perform at its best!

Check The Local Laws

The number one tip for opening your outdoor patio at your restaurant is to follow the law! Rules and regulations vary from provinces and territories, all the way to specific laws per city. Research the rules on the internet and make some important calls to your city officials for up to date information regarding Covid-19. One guaranteed law that has now become standard practice is masks and hand sanitizer. Ensure your staff always has their masks and has a box of disposable masks always on hand for your customers. Social distancing is another law that must be followed inside and outdoors!

Staff

When your staff is healthy, happy, and employed, this reflects upon your business in the most favorable light! Treating your staff like family is the way to be in life at any time: Good or bad. The health of all humans during these times is paramount. This can not be stressed enough for your restaurant to stay afloat. Have a good quality "no-touch" forehead thermometer at the hostess stand to read each employee's temperature before and after their shifts. Each day place the Covid-19 laws, rules, and regulations on a typed page for all employees to read and initial for proper safety practices.

Clean

Cleanliness denotes reliability, honesty, and efficiency. As with displaying the current laws surrounding Covid-19, the same applies to displaying all the necessary cleaning actions needed to be performed daily. Displaying these rules will continue to remind your employees of their duties and tasks but will also allow your patrons to feel more at ease during these stressful times. Always follow all sanitation laws for your restaurant. We are happy to help keep your home and business as clean as possible with a plethora of cleaning products listed on our website!

Related: Cleaning Supplies

Weather Appropriate Furniture and Décor

We all know how a Canadian summer can be weather-wise…The highs and lows can vary drastically throughout the day in some locations. If your restaurant does not have tarps or overhangs already in place, think about a tent for your parking lot (if permissible). Another cute idea one of us saw recently was a restaurant used every parking stall as a separate table for 4 with umbrella and centerpiece. Adding décors such as centerpieces, pictures, vases, and flowers does liven up the mood. Creating an ambiance where cars once just stood alone will get a buzz going throughout your neighborhood about your cool and hip dining situation!

Patio Heaters

Whether it be a restaurant or your backyard, patio heaters are a must! Being cold is miserable for your guests and their food. Patio heaters are easily worth their price due to the longevity and versatility of usage. Most patio heaters can heat an area as large as 13' x 16' quickly. The energy efficiency is an excellent value since most patio heaters use propane when in use. Plus, patio heaters' main attribute is that they are easily wheeled to be placed wherever needed!

Related: Patio Heaters

Patio Umbrellas

If your restaurant has tables with the umbrella in the middle, then you are already set! If not, do not despair, umbrellas are available online and at all major stores. Umbrellas are an obvious necessity when it comes to outdoor dining. Battling the elements such as wind, drizzle, or sun can be easily subdued with an umbrella. Patio umbrellas add ambiance as well as protection against weather, and any bird that might be flying over while eating your lunch. Just remember to purchase enough patio umbrellas in the color of your restaurant for every outdoor table.

Advertise!

As with any business, "word of mouth" is always your tried and true means of successful advertising. Nowadays, social media is King! When you spend money on advertising, the returns will be greater than not throwing a couple of bucks towards your restaurant. Utilizing Facebook ads, Instagram pics, Yelp & Google reviews all attribute to your success! Post online on as many sites as possible, and in every newspaper about your fun & exciting outdoor dining patio being open and safe during Covid-19!

What Are Some Outdoor Restaurant Equipment Checklists?

When it comes to running your restaurant as an outdoor operation solely, different equipment will be needed. Guaranteeing all food is maintained at their correct temperatures at all times is vital. Food safety is of utmost importance in any kitchen environment!

Commercial Outdoor Grills

When it comes to grilling, Crown Verity can't be beaten! We have cherished our relationship with Crown Verity for years. The investment in a Crown Verity BBQ, grill, or griddle will pay for itself by way of extreme profits for your restaurant! The Crown Verity collection not only looks great, but the performance is also second to none! The greatest feature of most Crown Verity models is that they are portable! You will be able to cook at your restaurant, and at local events (once allowable), generating profits wherever you go!

Related: Gas & Propane BBQ'S

Outdoor Ice Machines

People notice and appreciate good, clean ice. Everyone has their "style" of ice they prefer. The main thing for any restaurant is to never run out of ice. Many ice machines on the market are portable. The Nostalgia Igloo 26lb Ice Cuber is exceptionally reasonable for those that might have a bistro with seating for only a few. The Hoshizaki Ice Maker is a beast that produces a whopping 527lbs in a 24hr period! Placing ice from the Hoshizaki into a Final Touch Brain Freeze Skull Ice Bucket at every table will have your guests talking and returning!

Related: Ice Machines

Outdoor Refrigeration

Some models of refrigerators have casters that allow it to be wheeled outside, under the shade, and out of the way for easy accessibility. The WFE Undercounter Refrigerator weighs in at only 211lbs. This can be transported to the outdoor patio by a couple of your staff. And once Covid-19 has become a thing of the past, just slide this refrigerator back where it was initially. Another quick and inexpensive solution is to obtain a spare fridge from your garage or a friend's. Acquiring an antique fridge to store cold food outside will add a vibe to your patio!

Stay Safe & Support your Local Eateries

We at Williams Food Equipment feel the desolation, frustration, and uncertainty with everyone else concerning this pandemic. Please, everyone, follow the guidelines set by our Government to ensure we can contain this virus, and get on with normality. Until then, try and divide your mealtimes between learning and enjoying cooking at home and visiting all your favorite restaurants. Dining outside where you were not previously able to brings a childlike emotion of trying something new and exciting! Grab your mask and head on over to your preferred outdoor patio tonight!

For high quality restaurant equipment check out all that Williams Food Equipment website has to offer