A major asset for any restaurant or cafe is outdoor dining space. People love dining in the open air, especially when the weather is favorable. If you own a restaurant with a decently sized patio, you want to create an outdoor dining environment that’s comfortable for your guests, which means you should have a space that can protect diners from the elements. Here are some great ways to create a beautiful outdoor space that’s perfect for enjoying food. Be sure to hire a professional contractor who specializes in shade structures and awning installation near NYC to help you. 
Shade Your Guests
When the sun is out and the weather’s warm, people generally want to be outside, whether it’s to hang out at the beach, to have a picnic in the park, or to enjoy a meal at a restaurant. If you’re seating diners outside, be sure you have some kind of shade structure for your guests to retreat under when they want to escape the sun’s rays for a while. Outdoor awnings, particularly those that are aesthetically pleasing, are great options. Though most awnings tend to be permanently fixed in place, retractable awnings offer versatility, and can be rolled out and in depending on how much shade coverage you need or want on any given day. Custom umbrellas are another good option, and come in many sizes, colors, and designs—you can even have your business’s name and logo printed on them.
Install Fans and Misters
When used in conjunction with awnings or other shade structures, fans can help to keep your outdoor guests cool when the temperature outside is high, creating much needed air circulation. Be sure to keep fans running on an appropriate setting that’s not annoying to your guests. On super hot days, utilize a misting system for added comfort.
Use Patio Heaters
You can still seat diners outside when the weather is cool. Patio heaters—independently standing or installed against exterior walls underneath awnings—are highly effective at creating a cozy atmosphere.