​You might be thinking, but who cares what kind of awning I have as long it provides the shade I need? Well, while the shading is the most important part of your awning, that’s not all there is to it. There are options in style and function that you can use to enhance the outdoor dining experience for your customers. Remember, providing a memorable experience along with quality food and customer service will keep your diners coming back again and again. That’s why it’s important to think about your awning options.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Retractable: when it comes to outdoor dining, you might want to consider installing a retractable awning, especially if you live in an area where there’s not a lot rain and the weather is nice. That way you can retract your awning in the evenings so guests can enjoy the moonlight, the stars, and the cool night breeze.
• Skylight: this is a great way to keep your guests in a more solid enclosed area but still let in natural light. The skylight allows you to open up the skylight panel when you want or close it off during inclement weather.

• Slide-on-Wire: this stylish option is great for restaurants in areas where the weather is great. The fabric panels literally slide on wires creating a beautiful pattern/design that amaze your diners. The panels offer versatility in how much you retract them; you could shade just half of your dining area or the whole thing, it just depends on your mood.
• Drop Screen: this is a great option for any fixed awning. You can add these screens that drop down from your awning to provide the ambience of the indoors while still being seated in an outdoor area.

• Shade Sail: this fixed option is also another stylish and unique shade structure for your restaurant. The shades look like the sails of a ship and when constructed in layers, are eye catching.

​Truly, the options you have for an awning for your restaurant are numerous. Using a combination of drop screens and awnings is one way you can enhance your guests’ outdoor dining experience. Remember, ask your local awning shop what options you have.