How Expanded Patios Help All Businesses
What role do expanded outdoor dining spaces play in supporting independent business? A big one. Especially during a global pandemic. And as rain and colder temperatures approach, it’s more important than ever to continue dining outdoors.
Why outdoor dining matters – direct support for restaurants.
Almost seven months into the covid-19 pandemic, everyone should be aware that restaurants are operating under restrictions. Dining establishments, who employ a large number of our community members, rely on outdoor spaces in order to operate safely while maximizing potential revenue. Some businesses have previously established outdoor dining areas, but many don’t.
For those that don’t already have patios or decks, the expansion into sidewalks and adjacent parking spaces is essential to their survival and their ability to offer “dine-in” services. Many have invested in covered seating areas, outdoor heaters, and other infrastructure in order to continue outdoor operations into the fall and winter. As Phil Myrick from the Project for Public Spaces says, “The sidewalks, streets, plazas and parking lots in every neighborhood are an asset that is waiting to be put to work.”
Our businesses are putting their sidewalks and parking spaces to work. Now it’s our turn as community members to support them – even as the weather turns.
Why else outdoor dining matters – indirect support for downtown retailers.
Restaurants and retail support each other. How often have you gone out for a bite and then stopped into a shop afterwards just to browse or take a quick peek? On the flip side, who can relate to spending an afternoon shopping and feeling ravenous afterwards? By attracting more visitors to downtown and increasing foot traffic, expanded outdoor dining brings more than just food and beverage dollars into our city center.
More folks heading to outdoor dining spaces, even as temperatures lower, can indirectly support our local retailers. Need a new rain jacket, scarf, or hat? We encourage folks to grab their inclement weather apparel at downtown stores like Backcountry Essentials, Fringe Boutique, and Sojourn, and then wear that new gear to a nearby happy hour.
Dress for the weather. Dress in layers. Dress to support independent business owners
How to help if you can’t go out.
We recognize that not everyone is able to return downtown, or may be limiting their exposure to public spaces. We also think it’s important to acknowledge a few things – clothing for extreme weather can be expensive, and it is a privilege to be able to afford clothing that can keep you both warm and dry (it's nicknamed Patagucci for a reason). If you have the means, please bundle up and support outdoor dining spaces in person.
If visiting in person isn’t an option, consider supporting your local businesses in alternative ways. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, many restaurants and retailers now offer delivery and online retail options. Consider picking up your meal curbside from a restaurant (save on delivery fees), leaving a positive review if you have a great experience, or purchasing the things you need and gifts online from independent retailers.
Small businesses need you.
Actively choosing to support independent business owners during chilly weather in the winter helps make sure they’ll be around when warm weather comes in the spring. So let’s get comfortable with the idea of being a little uncomfortable. It seems a small price to pay for the economic wellbeing of our city center.