Winter Outdoor Restaurant Accommodations Amidst COVID Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the restaurant industry. As the country slowly reopens, restaurants are grappling with the decision to reopen, backed by a host of safety measures like distancing tables, enhanced sanitation protocols, barriers, enforced mask-wearing among employees, and planning for outdoor accommodations during the coming winter. Hardest hit states like New York and California have been slow to reintroduce dine-in services, forcing food service businesses to think creatively about outdoor operations. However, accommodating outdoor dining during winter presents unique challenges.
Is it safer to dine outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Center for Disease Control has released many guidelines and resources about the risks of contracting COVID-19. While participating in certain activities, all of which you can access on their website. For dining in restaurants, they have released information stating that you are less likely to contract the COVID-19 virus while outdoors. Your risk decreases even more when combined with other precautions, such as washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask. Restaurants across the US have been making adjustments to their layouts to allow for increased distance between tables and more outdoor seating options.
Outdoor restaurant builds during COVID-19 pandemic
Restaurants across America have moved outdoors to accommodate their state’s restrictions on dine-in services during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in California, generally indoor dining is prohibited. Which means restaurants have been pressed to move their seating outside in order to keep their businesses open. Choura has built decks and additional platforms to allow for more outdoor seating at multiple restaurants across Southern California. Extended dining builds such as Choura’s have allowed for restaurants and their employees to keep on working through these unprecedented times. These parklettes located in neighborhoods such as Laguna Beach and Hollywood have included over 3,600 square feet of level ADA-compliant raised decks. Stained plank flooring, planter boxes, artist walls, and curated lighting designs. For more information about Choura builds, check out our website.
Winter outdoor restaurant accommodations in the coming months
Unlike sunny Southern California, many other cities in America experience harsh weather in the winter. Which can make outdoor dining difficult. In cities such as Chicago, winter temperatures average at about 35 F, which is frigid compared to Los Angeles’ average of 68 F. That is why the city of Chicago recently launched a contest to the public in search of a safe, viable idea for outdoor dining this winter. With a cash prize of $5,000. As temperatures begin to drop in the coming months, restaurants will be grateful for the suggestions on how to keep their doors open while battling winter cold, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, Choura has the build expertise, products, and capabilities to create outdoor dining experiences whatever the season. From various covered structures, heaters, and more, our team can ensure restaurants and their patrons are safe and happy.
Sources:
https://www.calrest.org/coronavirus/reopening
https://www.choura.co/case_study/extended-dining-builds/
https://www.today.com/food/chicago-award-5k-contest-winter-outdoor-dining-solutions-t190393
