How many times have you planned a vacation and imagined having a nice meal at a roadside café?
We all find the roadway seating, or the sidewalk seating to be an invitation to enjoy the street view while savoring a meal.
Many cities embrace outdoor dining as a vibrant addition to their urban landscapes, businesses are increasingly utilizing sidewalks and roadways to expand seating options.
However, when it comes to choosing between sidewalk and roadway seating, restaurant owners have to consider numerous factors.
Read on to find out what you will have to understand before deciding the roadway or sidewalk seating for your restaurant.
The seating plan impacts customer experience, accessibility, and operational efficiency. Here are all the details you need to know:
Benefits and Considerations of Sidewalk Seating
Sidewalk seating is a regular feature of New York City, where hundreds of cafes occupy a segment of the sidewalk and offer a good view of the hustle and bustle around town.
Here are a few benefits of sidewalk seating for restaurateurs and for customers too.
• Proximity to the Establishment
If a restaurant or café uses the sidewalk for seating, they can offer more space while keeping their operations smooth.
The outdoor space is not far from the kitchen and therefore the service remains quick. Servers can quickly attend to tables, and offer fresh service while the customers can enjoy the outdoor view as well as the restaurant’s ambiance.
• Pedestrian-Friendly Atmosphere
One of the most obvious questions is that if the sidewalk is occupied by the café, how do pedestrians pass? The sidewalk seating is adjacent to the sidewalk and does not take up too much space or intrude on the walking space.
Moreover, being so close to the sidewalk, cafes find many passersby stop impulsively and that promotes business. This kind of seating enhances the cozy, community feel, adding to the dining experience.
• Lower Initial Investment
Sidewalk seating is often lightweight and easy to maintain. This kind of furniture is usually inexpensive and can be considered a very low investment for a big benefit.
When expanding, many cafes and restaurants look for the most economical choices. Sidewalk seating often requires fewer structural modifications, and it is an excellent choice for cheaper expansions.
• Safety from Traffic
The sidewalk is the safest place as cars cannot drive there. The moving vehicles will be far from the sitting area therefore, sidewalk seating may offer a safer and quieter environment, especially for families with children.
Considerations
Other than the benefits mentioned above, there are a few considerations regarding the selection of sidewalk seating over roadway seating. Here are a few:
• Limited Space
Narrow sidewalks can restrict the number of tables and overall layout flexibility. Compliance with accessibility standards, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), may reduce usable space.
• Potential Conflict with Pedestrians
Another consideration is that heavy foot traffic can create bottlenecks, affecting both diners and passersby. Clear boundaries are essential to prevent disruptions. In the holiday season many restaurants have to finish the sidewalk seating area because of the increase in pedestrians.
Roadway Seating: Benefits and Considerations
Roadway seating is different from sidewalk seating as it uses space adjacent to the road but not sidewalks. These spaces can be parking lots, or empty plots. Here are a few benefits of roadway seating:
• Increased Capacity
Utilizing roadway space often allows space for more tables and creative layouts, accommodating larger groups and enhancing revenue potential. You can design the outdoor area according to the space.
Usually, sidewalk seating has lesser space and offers only a single row of tables, but roadway seating is more expansive.
• Unique Dining Experience
Dining in repurposed parking spots or cordoned-off streets can feel novel and exciting, attracting customers seeking an unconventional setting. Imagine a full plot where you can decorate lights or centerpieces and even some attractive topiaries maybe.
• Event Opportunities
One of the biggest benefits is that roadway seating zones can be a great venue for events because there is ample space for live music or seasonal themes, creating a lively and attractive dining environment.
• Urban Activation
When executed well, roadway seating can transform a street into an amazing place where people can socialize and hang out with friends. When people see a well-lit place with food and good ambiance, it is definitely going to be a success.
Considerations
There are a few considerations for roadway seating. Here is a brief discussion of each:
• Higher Setup Costs
Installing barriers, canopies, or platforms for safety and comfort requires a significant investment. Compliance with local regulations can add to the expense. Moreover, the more attractive you need it to be, the more decorations and seating you will need.
• Traffic and Safety Concerns
If you think sidewalk seating requires security while roadway seating is safe, that is not so. Despite barriers, roadway seating is closer to moving vehicles, which might mean compromised safety in extreme cases. The restaurant or café must provide extra barrier protection to customers.
• Weather and Exposure
Roadways are more exposed to environmental factors like wind, rain, or heat. Investing in weatherproof solutions, such as umbrellas or heaters, becomes essential.
• Parking Trade-Offs
Converting parking spaces to dining areas may affect local parking availability, potentially inconveniencing non-dining visitors.
Your customers might not be bothered but other people who use the parking lot might report the nuisance and you might have to remove the seating altogether.
Key Factors to Consider
There are numerous general considerations to keep in mind before deciding the sidewalk or roadway seating plans.
• Local Regulations
Municipalities often impose specific guidelines for outdoor dining setups. Sidewalk seating typically adheres to pedestrian access rules, while roadway seating might involve more extensive permitting for safety compliance.
Ensure full knowledge of local government or authority’s regulations so that you do not have to make changes later.
• Target Demographics
Where can you find a more vibrant and ready to try new foods kind of crowd? Understand your customers’ preferences. Families and older patrons might lean toward sidewalk seating for its perceived safety, while younger crowds may enjoy the novelty of roadway dining.
• Weather and Climate
Consider the seasonal climate of your area. Sidewalks might offer natural shade from buildings, while roadways may require investment in weatherproofing. The larger space will require more cover and that can be a big investment in itself.
• Operational Logistics
Restaurant and café owners have to evaluate how easily servers can navigate each setup. Roadway seating might require additional staff or innovative serving solutions to maintain efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between sidewalk and roadway seating involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and customer preferences.
Sidewalk seating suits those prioritizing proximity and practicality, while roadway setups cater to businesses aiming for larger capacity and a distinctive dining experience.
Assess your restaurant’s goals, local context, and customer base to create an outdoor space that stands out while providing comfort and safety.
No matter your choice, outdoor dining adds vibrancy to urban areas, offering a win-win for businesses and communities alike. With careful planning, your outdoor space can become a standout feature in today’s competitive dining landscape.
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