Outdoor patio cover delights diners
For hungry diners seeking to escape office environments and celebrate beautiful weather, there’s nothing more enjoyable than outdoor dining. Hospitality businesses know this and try to create luxurious, comfortable outdoor spaces that diners crave.
If only Mother Nature would cooperate.
Given customer preference for al fresco dining, many restaurants and hospitality businesses try to maximize business on their patios, but suffer financial loss and disappoint customers when the weather is uncooperative. They hesitate to book outdoor reservations when the weather is uncertain.
Al Fresco Dining Challenges
To delight guests and maximize capacity, an outdoor dining venue must be pleasant regardless of sun, temperature and time of day. On beautiful days, patrons want sun. They need to stay dry during rain. They don’t want to suffer at midday or squint into the sunset. Managing all these conditions is a tall order for most patio covers.
Del Frisco’s Grille in Southlake, Texas, experienced this problem firsthand. Double-decker outdoor patios are a key brand component for the 20 U.S. locations that serve up creative twists on American comfort classics.
The Southlake rooftop patio, designed to hold 70 to 100 guests, was initially covered by retractable canvas sails that caused several problems. First, they couldn’t provide the flexibility needed to make the patio available 365 days a year. They were also very noisy when the wind blew.
Installed in October 2015, an Equinox Louvered Roof by Amerimax Exterior Home Products, Norcross, Ga., proved to be the ideal solution.
Outdoor Dining in Sun, Shade or Rain
Equinox Louvered Roofs allow hospitality businesses to increase dining options and capacity without major renovations. Consisting of a fixed frame with adjustable aluminum louvers, the roof allows businesses and homeowners to enjoy their outdoor environment regardless of the weather.
A remote control rotates the louvers within a full range of motion, from fully opened to fully closed, in just a matter of moments. The louvers can shut out full sunlight, minimizing UV exposure and midday heat and sun. When light is more pleasant, they can be opened to let in sunlight and airflow, adjusting to the exact angle needed to cut down on glare. While the frame is a continuous structure, the louvers within independent roof sections can be separately adjusted to accommodate shady and sunny areas.
Most importantly, Equinox Louvered Roofs fully control rain. The roof becomes solid when closed, and an integrated gutter system moves water away from the covered area and manages drips. Optional fans, misting systems, lighting and radiant heat add more comfort on warm days and cool nights. The system can also be used for sidewall ventilation.
Gemma Brady, general manager Del Frisco’s Southlake, raves about the roof, saying, “It’s absolutely fantastic and has had a great impact on our business. Guests can now enjoy the breeze on a beautiful day. Our Equinox Louvered Roof provides the structure we needed to use the patio 365 days a year.”
Built to Last
Manufactured with quality elements and precision engineering, the roof system outlasts fabric awnings and needs only occasional cleanings to keep looking good. Since Equinox Louvered Roofs conform to nearly all wind and snow load requirements, including stringent Miami-Dade protocols, they can be safely installed in windy and coastal areas. Owners can relax knowing their roof is strong.
Given their flexibility and durability, commercial owners report that most Equinox roofs systems pay for themselves within 18 months.
Enjoying the Oasis
Outdoor dining areas should align with brand standards and complement the interior space. Equinox roof systems offer a contemporary look with a stylish feel and can be customized to convey the desired mood and tone. Columns and beams can be customized into round, tapered, square and fluted shapes, stained or painted in any color, or be wrapped with wood to create rustic appeal.
The versatile louvers integrate flawlessly with existing architecture such as angled roofs and walls, gable roofs, bay windows and doors. Buyers can choose from three base colors or specify their own.
Opening Night Accolades
Del Frisco’s patrons are also Equinox Louvered Roof fans. On the first night the roof was complete, outdoor diners rushed for cover as rain started to fall. When the manager confidently closed the louvers, the patrons cheered and applauded-and resumed enjoying their dinners.
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Sarah Reese is the marketing content manager with Euramax International Inc., Norcross, Ga., a global manufacturer of Equinox Louvered Roof and other building products. Amerimax Exterior Home Products is a brand of Euromax International, which markets the Equinox Louvered Roof. To learn more about the Equinox Louvered Roof, visit www.equinoxroof.com.