As an industry, we are all aware of social distancing and that the effects of COVID-19 will be long-lasting. Adding distance between booths and tables will shrink indoor seating capacities; however, many states will now allow expanded outdoor seating capacity to help bridge the gap. Now is the time to consider adding outdoor seating in spaces you may not have been able to utilize in the past.
Neighboring states, as well as our local Louisville government, are already working on ways to expand outdoor dining for non-traditional dining locations including temporarily closing multiple streets to create outdoor dining spaces for restaurants located in higher-trafficked areas. According to The Columbus Dispatch, “The City of Cincinnati will close parts of 25 streets in Over-the-Rhine and Downtown Cincinnati so restaurants can expand outdoor seating, a move that will help restaurants without patio space keep tables farther apart for social distancing – and open as early as possible.” Louisville has followed suit temporarily suspending application fees for restaurants seeking an encroachment permit for outdoor furniture to add or expand their outdoor seating on public property, including sidewalks.
According to WLKY News, “Louisville Metro is working with the council to pass an emergency ordinance next week to temporarily suspend certain planning and zoning requirements. Those would allow restaurants to set up outdoor seating on private property or in a parking lot without additional parking, landscaping, or other requirements normally required. It would also help some serve liquor outdoors if they already have a permit for inside.”
At Dine Company – The Restaurant Store, we can source most any style of furniture, from umbrellas and trash receptacles to outdoor seating. We work hard to source outdoor furniture for you that is ready to ship, quickly and efficiently. If we don’t stock an item in our store, the manufacturer, under normal circumstances, have the items in stock and ready to ship. With seating options starting as low as $18.49 per chair, we are sure to have a solution for your seating needs. To inquire about seating options, call to speak with a product specialist at 502-637-3232 or email store@dinecompany.com.
Learn more about our design services:
Dine Company’s Restaurant Design Portfolio
Exhaust Hood System Design
Walk-In Coolers and Freezers
Info for Architects and Contractors
