The food business will always be in demand. People will always need access to good, healthy food. With so much uncertainty during the pandemic, people are looking for ways to still connect with their community and find comfort in familiar things. Going out to get food from a local restaurant or farmer’s market is a great way to do that.
However, for a food business to thrive during the pandemic, it must be taken outdoors. Covid-19 cases are increasing in the country. According to data as of June 23 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12.1 percent of territories, districts, or counties were classified in the high community level for Covid-19, showing a 1.9 percent increase from the previous week. A higher number comprising 30.9 percent was the medium level, showing a 1.6 percent increase from the last week.
The CDC still advises that it is safer to stay outdoors with people from other households, even without masks. Since eating is an activity that requires the removal of masks, outdoor eating places are more advisable than indoor restaurants.
Plus, being outdoors means your business can take advantage of the growing trend of eco-friendly initiatives. You won’t have to use energy for air conditioning and ventilation. During the day, you won’t need lighting. Customers will appreciate that you’re doing your part to help make the world a better place. So, if you’re looking for a way to stand out from the competition, an outdoor food business is definitely the way to go.
Here are some ideas you can choose from to get started on an outdoor food business.
Roof Deck Restaurant
You can find and lease a roof deck for your open-air restaurant. Ensure that you can set up a kitchen where your appliances are protected from the elements. Also, it must have access to a bathroom you can fix up for your customers. You can install a roof over the entire deck to protect customers from rain and direct heat from the sun.
Since the sides of the roof deck will be open, you must ensure that it has slip-proof deck waterproofing. That will ensure the safety of your guests and help protect you from possible lawsuits. It will also extend the life of the floor while enhancing its look. You can choose from a wide variety of finishes and colors that will complement the style of your restaurant. Since you have no walls to decorate, the floor must be decorative.
Outdoor Café
An outdoor café is an excellent option if you have a small space that you can lease or buy. It’s also a good option if you want to be able to move your business to a different location quickly.
You can keep the kitchen simple by serving only hot and cold drinks and sandwiches. That way, you won’t need to do any complicated cooking. However, don’t forget to create a menu that will appeal to customers.
You will need to get the necessary permits from your local government before setting up shop. Once you have that sorted out, you can start working on your décor. Keep it simple but make it inviting and comfortable for your customers.
Food Truck with Folding Tables and Chairs
A food truck is a popular choice for an outdoor food business because it’s relatively easy to set up and manage. It’s also a good option if you don’t have the money to lease or buy a property. You can find a good used truck and have it fixed up to be your mobile kitchen. A significant advantage is that you can move around and serve food in different locations.
You can take your food truck to different events like concerts, carnivals, and festivals. This will help you reach a broader range of customers and make more sales. Set up folding tables and chairs for customers to use. This will also encourage them to interact with each other, which is a great way to build community.
Farmers’ Market Stand
If you’re selling food you’ve grown yourself or sourced from local farmers, setting up a stand at the farmers’ market is a great way to get started. You can sell fruits, vegetables, baked goods, honey, and other items.
You can also use your stand to promote your other businesses. For example, you can hand out business cards and flyers at your space if you have a catering business. Or, if you’re thinking of starting a food blog or cooking classes, you can also use your stand to promote that.
Just make sure you’re allowed to sell the type of food you want at the farmers’ market. Each market has different rules and regulations, and you must get to know them.
Cater to the People’s Need to Enjoy the Outdoors
Outdoor food businesses have several advantages over their indoor counterparts. They’re more affordable to set up, easier to manage, and allow customers to enjoy the outdoors while eating. If you want a food business that will thrive despite the pandemic, an outdoor food business is definitely the way to go. So, choose from one of the ideas provided and start planning today.
