How To Prepare a Rooftop Bar for the Winter
Winter doesn’t have to mean shuttering your rooftop bar until spring arrives. Many successful establishments keep their elevated venues profitable year-round, and you can too. You’ll just need to address heating, weather protection, and seasonal menu adjustments. Here’s how to prepare a rooftop bar for the winter!
Upgrade Heating Solutions
Patrons and staff must stay warm. Otherwise, outdoor dining is downright miserable. Start by upgrading your heating solutions.
Propane patio heaters are popular for their mobility and powerful output. They work best when you place them around seating areas, making sure to maintain proper clearances from umbrellas, awnings, and overhead structures.
Electric infrared heaters are another reliable option, especially in covered sections. This type of patio heater is great for rooftop restaurants because it heats people and objects directly rather than warming the air. Therefore, infrared heaters are effective even when it’s windy.
You can also consider fire tables and fire bowls, which create natural gathering spots. These features double as atmospheric elements, encouraging guests to linger longer.
Protect Against and Prepare for the Weather
Next, you should make sure your rooftop can handle wind, rain, snow, hail, and other wintry conditions. Glass wind barriers are a good place to start. You can install these seasonally and remove them when temperatures warm up.
We also recommend retractable awnings that offer overhead protection from snow and rain. Additionally, consider creating enclosed or semi-enclosed sections using temporary structures. Pop-up tents designed for commercial use can section off portions of your space, creating cozy winter rooms while keeping other areas open.
Then, protect your bar equipment, furniture, and fixtures from freeze damage. Drain all water lines that could freeze, including those serving outdoor sinks, ice machines, and beverage dispensers. Install heat tape on vulnerable pipes or relocate equipment to heated areas.
Store cushions, umbrellas, and delicate furniture pieces indoors. Replace summer furniture with weather-resistant pieces designed for winter use. Metal furniture conducts cold, so add cushions or covers for guest comfort.
Make Seasonal Menu and Service Adaptations
Finally, adjust your beverage menu to include warming options like hot toddies, mulled wine, and specialty coffee drinks. These items will fly off the menu when it’s chilly out, making customers happier, more comfortable, and more inclined to stay longer.
And check up on your hot food offerings. Consider adding comfort foods and shareable plates that complement the cozy winter atmosphere you’re creating.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to prepare your rooftop bar for the winter! You’ll be able to stay open even when the competition can’t, generate year-round profit, and provide a nice place for people to relax when it’s cold out. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.