Why Outdoor Dining Is the Next Big Design Challenge
Outdoor dining has evolved beyond a seasonal option—it’s now a core element of modern restaurant strategy. With the right architectural vision, outdoor spaces become more than patios—they become destinations. Restaurants investing in beautifully designed, sustainable outdoor areas are reaping the rewards in increased revenue, reduced operational costs, and stronger brand visibility.
Architects and designers are leading this transformation, integrating energy-efficient materials, aesthetic appeal, and community-centered functionality into the next generation of outdoor spaces.
Elevated Design: Crafting Memorable Experiences
Modern outdoor dining areas are crafted to immerse patrons in unique, memorable environments. Garret Cord Werner Architects, for example, create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas using large glass operable walls, open-air layouts, and natural materials.
“The best outdoor spaces invite people to stay longer—and come back more often. Design should support comfort, connection, and a sense of place.”
— Garret Cord Werner, Architect
Architectural features like retractable canopies, sliding glass walls, and pergolas not only offer shelter but act as signature design elements. These features help restaurants stand out while serving practical needs like climate protection and acoustic control.
Sustainability: A Core Design Principle
With rising energy costs and growing awareness of environmental responsibility, sustainability is now at the heart of restaurant design. Studio M Architects emphasizes energy savings through features like LED lighting, natural ventilation, and reclaimed materials.
“When sustainability is embedded in the design process, operating costs go down and guest perception goes up. It’s a win-win.”
— Mark Nelson, Studio M Architects
Projects like the Vancouver Convention Centre prove that large-scale green design is not only feasible—it’s profitable. Living roofs, water treatment systems, and renewable materials all contribute to long-term cost savings and LEED certification benefits.
Economic Benefits: Boosting Revenue and Value
Protected outdoor spaces can significantly increase a restaurant’s seating capacity—without the cost or complexity of expanding the building itself. According to SYZYGY Global, restaurants that add covered outdoor areas often see revenue increase by 15–30% due to greater revenue per seat and extended seasonal use.
Aluminum pergolas, retractable glass systems, and modular enclosures provide flexibility while maintaining high design standards. They're also faster to install and often require fewer permits than major structural renovations.
Operational Advantage: Saving on Property Taxes, Rent, and Permits
Creating an enclosed or semi-enclosed outdoor dining space offers a lesser-known—but substantial—operational advantage:
Non-interior square footage: Because the space isn't classified as interior floor area, it doesn’t trigger increases in property taxes tied to interior expansions.
Leased spaces: In commercial leases based on square footage, exterior patio space typically doesn’t count toward rent—making it a cost-effective expansion strategy.
Reduced permitting burdens: Adding indoor seats often requires more washrooms, parking spaces, and fire exits. Covered outdoor seating may sidestep these triggers depending on local zoning.
Easier zoning compliance: Many municipalities encourage outdoor dining post-COVID, loosening previous restrictions or offering fast-track permits.
“Restaurants are getting creative with patios—using them to grow revenue without taking on more rent or jumping through as many regulatory hoops.”
— Dina Andrews, Commercial Design Consultant
Versatility: Event Spaces and Tourist Destinations
Outdoor dining areas double as flexible event spaces, allowing restaurants to host private functions, live music, and community events—maximizing utility per square foot.
In popular tourist destinations, these patios become part of the attraction. Waterfront views, rooftop gardens, or downtown street-facing spaces draw in foot traffic and increase visibility.
Social Media Appeal: Designed for the ‘Gram
An “Instagrammable” space drives organic marketing. Restaurants that lean into this—using greenery walls, statement lighting, and artistic finishes—are seeing increased engagement from younger demographics.
“If it’s visually striking, it gets shared. If it gets shared, it builds your brand.”
— Janelle Ko, Hospitality Branding Expert
Outdoor spaces allow for better lighting, natural backdrops, and curated experiences that are perfect for social media—and for growing customer loyalty.
Conclusion
As restaurant design evolves, outdoor spaces are becoming mission-critical. They offer sustainability, flexibility, increased revenue, and lower overhead—all while enhancing the guest experience.
For restaurateurs looking to thrive in a competitive landscape, partnering with architects and designers to reimagine outdoor dining is no longer optional. It’s the next big challenge—and the next big opportunity.
