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Business After Covid-19, Some Tips

4/21/2020

The outbreak of Covid 19 and the resulting pandemic won’t destroy the American spirit. We’re strong and fighting! There’s light at the end of the tunnel! When this is all over, business can return and we can pick up the pieces and move forward. So what are somethings you should be thinking about for business after Covid 19?
For starters, many of us are qualified to receive help from the Small Business Administration in the form of disaster assistance loans. Here’s a link to more information about the program: https://www.sba.gov/offices/disaster/dfocw/resources/1658272. The deadline to apply is Dec. 16, 2020.
The State of California also has this great website for your questions under the Financial and Technical Assistance for Small Business area of their website at https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/.

Women-owned businesses can also find resources from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) at https://www.wbenc.org/covid19.

For the next several weeks and possibly months, we’re going to go through so many changes and our sanities will be tested. However, we can get through this and remember, there are resources, help, and guidance out there for all of us. We just need to weather the storm by staying in, staying safe, and helping to flatten the curve. We’re strongest together and we hope that you all stay healthy and happy.

While we are temporarily closed, you can still visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co.’s website at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

Why Vinyl Enclosures & Drop Screens Can Help During This Outbreak

4/15/2020

The Covid 19 virus has shut down businesses and put a lot of us on temporary suspension of operations. However, that doesn’t mean we aren’t still thinking about the future and how preparing your business for a new world where we live with this virus is important.

When it comes to protecting customers, who dine or lounge on the patio or other outdoor area of your business, using a vinyl enclosure or a drop screen can help stop foot traffic and other outside folks from peering in and potentially contaminating your dining area.
Vinyl enclosures can be made from medical grade specialty fabrics and can be created with antimicrobial qualities. The enclosures surround your customers and keeps them safe from outside elements as well as potential contaminants from people outside. The enclosures create a complete barrier system that allows your customers to feel protected and enjoy your business’ amenities. Traditionally, vinyl enclosures are meant to help protect against inclement weather, but with the outbreak of the corona virus, now we can use them to help protect customers from outside elements, like a person walking by who coughing or sneezing. The enclosures will prevent any droplets from getting into the dining or lounge area.

Drop screens are great for providing shade and protecting your guests. Drop screens don’t create a complete enclosure. However, drop screens can be used to create a large shield between guests and the sun, and help protect from potential contamination from a passing pedestrian who might be sick.
Commercial use of vinyl enclosures and drop screens are an excellent way to spruce your business up for when the doors reopen, and business gets back to normal. Remember, staying safe and protected is important during these difficult times and putting up vinyl enclosures and drop screens are one way to help in the fight to contain the spread.
While we are temporarily closed, you can still visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co.’s website at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

The Business of Revenue Generating Space: Restaurants and Dining Seats

3/3/2020

Your tables and seats are the bread and butter for your restaurant’s bottom line; the more you have, the more sales you make. That’s why adding an awning or other shade structure to create an outdoor dining area just makes sense.

Revenue generating space at restaurant is more than just the area indoors. Outside areas in the front and back of your building can be utilized to expand your business’ footprint. How so? Well, think about adding an awning or creating a space with drop screens and curtains. Add tables and chairs to that space and now you have extra seats and extra revenue generating space.

The Numbers: If you have an outdoor area that can fit 5 tables with four chairs each, you’ve just increased your sales capacity by 20 seats. If each table generates an average of $60 for breakfast, lunch and dinner, that’s at least $900 more in sales. (5 tables x $60 = $300. $300 x 3 [breakfast, lunch, dinner] =$900). That’s a lot of extra sales for your bottom line!
How it Works: If you install an awning or patio cover, it creates a shaded area that customers can sit under. The area can also be a lounge space where people can relax and order drinks. The outdoor area can also be enclosed with vinyl enclosures, curtains, and drop screens that give the space a more private feel customers will appreciate.
Why it Matters: Creating an outdoor space is essential for any restaurant or business because it’s a revenue generating area. Not utilizing it means you’re not maximizing your business’ potential. You could be missing out on hundreds of dollars in sales because those revenue generating seats aren’t being used.
What to Install: Depending on your restaurant location and type, you can install a canopy, awning, patio cover, vinyl enclosures, etc. Calling your local awning shop like American Awning & Blind Co. in North Hollywood, is the first step in figuring out what’s best for your storefront. Remember, renderings are a great way to see how a shades structure will look on your building’s façade without actually installing it. Keep in mind that you also need to be sure your awning installer is aware of permits and construction processes; at American Awning & Blind Co. we help you with that process.

Revenue generating outdoor space is something that all restaurants should consider and utilize if possible. Creating an area for extra tables and chairs, lounge seats, and more can really boost your restaurant’s sales. Now that you know more about this topic, let us know how we can help you and visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

Canopies For Your Business: Why It Helps

2/27/2020

So, what’s a canopy? Why should you care and how can it help your business or commercial property? For starters, a canopy is a shade structure that extends further from your building than a traditional awning or patio cover.
A canopy provides a shaded walkway or area for your guests. Think about entryways to hotels and some restaurants. Canopies are excellent for any commercial property looking to spruce

Advertising: A canopy, like an awning, can be printed on with a logo or design that can capture the attention of people. The stationary canopy is up 24 hours a day, seven days a week and thus is a permanent advertisement for your business.
Lounge Area: A canopy can provide an area in front of your building or even in the back-patio area for people to lounge. You can put outdoor furniture, hang some lights, etc., and really design something that will bring people back to your business. Offering an out-door lounge area is a great way to help your business stand apart from the competition.
Aesthetic: Canopies are beautiful when done right; these shade structures can add a level of 3-dimensional beauty that makes your business the look the cream of the crop.
Competitiveness: Canopies help your business by also making it competitive in terms of looks and visibility. Imagine your building has a canopy that stands out vs. a building next door without a shade structure. Which business or restaurant will customer more likely walk into?

Canopies help your business by providing more than just shade; they add value to your building and create space that can help you generate revenue and attract more clientele. Being the crème de la crème of your competition means standing out from the crowd and adding a canopy certainly helps in that endeavor.

For more information about canopies and awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

How Patio Covers and Awnings Can Enhance Your Restaurant

2/25/2020

The storefront is an important first impression, customer attracting component of your business. Dressing up your restaurant with signs, advertisements, and using a great color scheme are essential in your business’ storefront presentation. But did you know adding a patio cover, canopy, or even an awning can enhance the aesthetics of your restaurant and possibly increase your sales?

So, how can that work? Well, when you install a patio cover, awning, or canopy, you’re adding a 3-dimensional layer to your restaurant that attracts attention. The enhancement to your business is eye catching, attention grabbing, and sets you apart from the competition. Imagine your storefront with only window signs and the next eatery over has a beautiful canopy or awning that customers can sit under and enjoy a meal outside. Imagine the difference in look and feel and you’ll see, patio covers and awnings are worth the investment. Here’s some reasons to consider:

Revenue Generating Space: If you have a patio cover on the front of your restaurant, you can put tables and chairs and create an outdoor dining area which will help increase your sales.
Aesthetics: You restaurant will stand out and people will remember it even if they don’t come in that day, they’ll come in another day because, like a billboard, they’ll remember your beautiful eatery. The look and feel of your restaurant are important because if it looks nice, classy, and beautiful, you’ll attract customers.
Competitiveness: Adding an awning or a patio cover with your restaurant’s seal or logo will make you a little more competitive in the already saturated market. If other restaurants don’t have a canopy or awning or patio cover, you can stand out from the crowd and that’s already half the battle.
Value: If you install and awning or patio cover, the value of your business can go up because you’ve added a layer of aesthetic that wasn’t there before. That means, your restaurant has added value that can ultimately bring you more sales.

So, now that you know a little more about how patio covers and awnings can enhance your restaurant, let us know how we can help you with your next shade structure project. Remember, maximizing your restaurant’s footprint to produce the most sales is a great way to streamline your business and stay profitable.

For more information about patio covers and awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

Fabric Replacement:Awning Recovery

12/16/2019

We’ve talked about this before but it’s always good to keep fresh on the topic of fabric replacement and awning recovery. This option is a great way to save thousands of dollars when it comes to your awning and your home or business.

So, what is an awning recovery or replacement? Well, let’s say your awning’s been installed for five years and the frame is strong and sturdy, but the fabric is starting to look old and worn, colorless, and torn. Instead of ripping out the whole structure, you can just replace the fabric! This can save you thousands!

A new awning, depending on what kind you want and need for your business or home, can be a few hundred to thousands of dollars for a commercial installation. So, if you’re a business that has fading fabric, utilizing awning recovery instead of buying a brand new one, is a great way to save.

So, what does an awning recovery involve? Here’s a short list of things:

Inspection: First, an inspection of your awning will be done to see what needs to be replaced and fixed
Fabric: The fabric is typically the thing that needs to be replaced and will be updated with your choice of colors and designs. You can also decide to get a new type of fabric. Maybe this time, you might want to go with a polyvinyl or acrylic option.
Additions: This is the best time to think about adding logos and new colors. You can also add designs like stripes and valances that can really add pizazz to your awning.
Frame Update: You can also have your frame sanded and cleaned if it has rust or other fixable issues. This can also save you tons of money in replacement costs. Remember, your awning frame is the foundation of your structure, so keeping it maintained is important!

Awning recovery is easy and cost efficient and is an option that we don’t always remember we have. So, the next time you’re looking at your awning and thinking it needs to be replaced, remember, you can recover it instead!

For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

Awning Frame Colors: Things to Know

12/10/2019

So, you’ve got a beautifully painted home and now you want to install an awning. But, what about the frame? Will it match? Good news, it can! At American Awning and Blind Co. we offer color options for your awning’s frame!

So, what do you need to know when it comes to choosing an awning frame color? For starters, you can have the frame powder coated instead of painted. You can also have the frame mocked up in rendering so you can see how it would look with your home. In fact, here are some other things you need to know or think about when it comes to awning frame colors:

Fabric & Frame Color Coordination: Remember, the fabric of your awning and your frame’s color should go together. You can choose the same color but be sure to see how that looks in a rendering first.
Home & Frame Color: Make sure your frame’s color doesn’t clash with your house or business’ colors. Try picking a neutral color if you’re unsure.
Powder Coating vs. Paint: Powder coating is more durable and better than just paint on an awning frame. Powder coating is designed to be more resistant to chipping and scratches. Paint for frames is good as well but doesn’t provide the durability of powder coats. In fact, powder coated frames tend to have longer lasting color.
Aesthetics: Painting your awning’s frame adds a level of sophistication and class to the shade structure that can make your home or business stand out.

Awning frame colors get overlooked or forgotten. But, now that you know more about your options and why painting your awning frame is a great way to spruce up your shade structure, you can make the choice. Click here to see our standard frame colors. Please keep in mind that we do offer custom colors as well!

For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

Vinyl Enclosures

11/20/2019

Curtains at PS 818

What are vinyl enclosures and how can you utilize these revenue generating accents to your business?

Vinyl enclosure typically have clear windows and enclose an outdoor dining or other patio area. The enclosure is an extended footprint of the business. Think of an outdoor dining area with tables and chairs and then enclose it with tasteful fabric structures.

Curtains at the Bellwether

So why would you want to spend the time and money to have vinyl enclosures installed? These durable, revenue generating type of shade structures provide a myriad of aesthetics, benefits, and uniqueness to your business. Including but not limited to the below list:

Dining Seats: If you install vinyl enclosures, you extend your restaurant or business’ ability to generate revenue with extra seats the interior of your building couldn’t fit. The area becomes potential sales generating space you didn’t have before. Within a month or two, you could make back what you invested to install the enclosures.
Ambiance that Attracts Customers: How many times have you wanted to sit outside at a restaurant, but it didn’t have outdoor space? With vinyl enclosures, you can attract customers looking for that ambiance. You’d be surprised how many customers won’t come to your business simply because of the ambiance.

Curtains at the Wilshire Country Club

Protection from Inclement Weather: Many customers want to sit outside, but if it’s windy or raining, or too hot, they won’t want to, and you could potentially lose that sale. However, with vinyl enclosures, you can nab that sale because now, you’re offering a shaded, protected area customer can enjoy despite the inclement weather.
Competitive Edge: Competition is fierce, especially for restaurants located next to each other. If you have a stylish and beautiful vinyl enclosed dining area, you’re going to stand out.
Advertising: Using colors, frames, and designs, you can utilize the enclosure to advertise your business. Eye catching, color popping, logos and designs really do work. Plus, your logo will stand out and it’s an advertising cost you only have to pay for once.

Now that you know a little more about what vinyl enclosures are and how they can generate revenue for your business or restaurant, let us know how we can help you! For more information about vinyl enclosures and awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

October 28th, 2019

10/28/2019

Fall is here and the cool weather, the rain, and the shorter days are welcome after a long, hot summer. But just because it’s cooler doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be vigilant about your dog’s safety in your own backyard.

It may seem strange to think that the fall season can bring dangers to your pet. But it’s important to know that there are many things that can harm your dog in the fall. Check out some of the things we think you should be aware of:

·      Awnings to Protect from the Rain: Consider installing an awning to create a safe, protected area for your pet if you leave him/her in the backyard. The awning can protect your dog from the rain and be the designated area for your little buddy during inclement weather.
·      Puddles: Standing puddles of water can be fun to splash in, but remember, these can contain bugs and other chemicals that have run off from your garden (pesticides) and thus, can harm your pet. Be sure to clear puddles of water after it rains.
·      Wild Mushrooms: Check your grass, your yards, and even along the edges of your fences for wild mushrooms and other vegetation. Some mushrooms are poisonous or harmful to your dog. Diarrhea and other ailments can be cause by these seemingly innocuous mushrooms. So remember to pull them out if you see them growing.
·      Leaf Piles: Might seem like a great idea to let your dog jump in that pile of leaves and frolic about. But the reality is, these leaves, especially if they’re left to rot, can be harmful to your pet. Toxins can build up in these piles and cause your pet to have seizures and other ailments. So be sure to clean up the leaves ASAP and give your dog a fun toy to play with instead of that deciduous pile.
·      Cool Weather: If you have a lapdog or a pet that just doesn’t go outside, you might want to consider buying “clothes” for him or her for warmth. Some dogs need that extra sweater to stay warm because they’re not built to be outside all the time. (Think of maltipoos and other small dog breeds).
·      Decorations: If you decorate, be sure your dog can’t get at them or at least, the decorations are big and strong enough that your dog can’t eat them. Remember, fall decorations often contain glitter, glue, and other materials that can hurt your dog’s delicate tummy. So be sure your decorations are out of reach or sturdy.

Fall is a great season to cuddle with your pet and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa and relax. Keeping your pet safe from the potential harms of the fall season will give you some peace of mind as you deal with the crazy that comes with the fall holiday season. (You can check that concern off your box).

For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.

October 12th, 2019

10/12/2019

Fall is here and the holidays are coming and Halloween’s right around the corner! So, what do you have planned for your family or business and all the fun and tricks that come with this spooky day? Have you thought about utilizing your patio cover or awning to spruce up your storefront or home?

Besides putting out figurines, pumpkins, and inflatables, you can do a whole host of other things to make your business or home stand and be family friendly and fun. Check out some of these ideas:

- Decorating your Awning: For the backyard, you can string up pumpkin lights or decorate your awning with cotton cobwebs. You can even hang spiders and other creepy, ghoulish objects like hands and skeletons from the sides of the awning. You can also wrap vines and other thorny – but not sharp – branches.
- Patio Cover: Just like the awning, you can hang and string up lights. You can also hang curtains with a creepy crawly theme.
- Backyard: You can create a Halloween haunt activity oasis by setting up booths for apple bobbing, dart throwing at pumpkins, and more. Think about what your kids might like and set up fun things they would enjoy.
- Front Yard: Try setting up a candy stand for trick-or-treaters or dotting the grass with fake hands and feet, skeletons, and cauldrons.
- Businesses and Storefronts: You can do all of the above, tailored to the setup of your business. But, since you have larger space, you can make your business a Halloween pit stop by adding specials and sales. Remember, you can put things in the windows, hang stuff from the patio cover or awning. Also, have your employees dress up and invite guests in.

Halloween is meant to be a fun day you and your family can enjoy while indulging in candies and enjoying the fall season. Adding the extra holiday flare to your home or business is just a nice way to create memories for your loved ones and also generate more business for your store.

For more information about awnings, feel free to contact us. For more information about what we do and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.