Top 5 Reasons to Make Your Restaurant’s Outdoor Seating Dog-Friendly

As a restaurant owner, it is important to differentiate your business from the rest of the competitors or rivals in the market. A great way to do this is to create outdoor seating that’s dog-friendly. In recent years, more and more people who have pets, especially dogs, are looking for establishments where they can sit and enjoy their food or drinks with their pets. This article will highlight the top 5 reasons to make your restaurant’s outdoor seating dog-friendly, as it will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of your business and foster a loyal customer base.

1. Attract a Larger Customer Base

Having an outdoor dining dog-friendly area is great, as it will always attract additional customers. Most pet owners prefer to eat at places where their dogs can stay with them. Given that most dog owners include their dogs in their daily activities, they will want to bring their dogs with them whenever they go out. Whether they are going out for a short coffee break or an entire lunch or dinner, the ability to bring their dogs with their owners can be a huge draw.

For example, coffee shops that allow dogs inside or restaurants with dogs are booming in business. People who would not have previously visited your establishment will now choose your eatery over competitors because of the ability to keep their dogs. This will give your restaurant a competitive advantage, increase customer satisfaction, and increase overall revenue through increased general sales.

2. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere for Pet Owners

In the modern world, people view pets, especially dogs, as family members. Pet owners often bring them with them to restaurants. Allowing customers to bring their furry friends to an outdoor dining dog-friendly allows customers to enjoy delicious food without leaving their pets at home, giving them a comfortable dining experience.

When you create a dog-friendly area, you are also considering the needs of the owners. It is logical to assume that people will come back to your establishment when they know their pets will be welcome and taken care of. Pet-friendly cafes and restaurants can easily retain customers by meeting their demands for water bowls, dog-friendly snacks, and a separate menu for dogs, making them feel like VIPs.

3. Increase Your Revenue Potential

Allowing dogs in outdoor seating areas increases revenue streams. Customers who own dogs feel more comfortable with their pups and are therefore willing to spend on food, drinks, and snacks. For example, if you sell dog biscuits or pet-safe ice cream, it improves customer experience while also increasing profits.

Additionally, offering restaurants that allow dogs inside also taps a previously untapped market as customers look for a quiet dinner with their pets. The potential influx of customers who never visited restaurants because they either had no dog sitter or couldn’t leave their pets alone at home will now boost sales and diversify customer management strategies.

4. Promote a Positive Brand Image

Although having a pet-friendly restaurant helps you expand your customer base, it also enhances your brand. Business owners who have pets have an emotional attachment to the businesses that deal with them and are likely to post about their experience online. Referrals are a great marketing strategy and positive praise from pet owners goes a long way in shaping your restaurant’s brand image.

By becoming known as a pet-friendly café, you will be associated with care, inclusiveness, and love for pets. People love businesses that fit their ideology, and by providing outdoor seating that invites dogs, you move your restaurant into a category that is sensitive to the needs of pets and their owners. Such positive reinforcement will help win more customers, build a stronger community, and increase customer loyalty to your brand.

5. Encourage Repeat Visits and Customer Loyalty

Restaurants will attract more customers if customers can bring their pets along. Many people have experienced stress as they eat out without pets. A dog-friendly onsite patio allows diners to bring their pups along and not have to worry about whether or not they will visit the establishment again. For example, research has shown that when restaurants allow dogs, owners visit more days a week and stay in the restaurant longer, increasing its traffic and revenue.

A dog-friendly restaurant also creates some social bonds among customers. Pet owners rarely miss a chance to talk about their animals with others who share the same feelings. As a result, the company manages to retain its customers, as customers often bring their dogs to the restaurant. Finally, happy pet owners are more likely to post about their experiences on social media, which is beneficial for your restaurant as it attracts new customers.

How Do I Make My Pet-Friendly Cafe?

Now that you’re convinced that offering outdoor seating arrangements for dogs can be beneficial for your restaurant, you may be wondering, "How do I make my cafe pet-friendly?" Here are step by step on how to get started:

• Create a Designated Dog-Friendly Area: If you don’t have the space to allow dogs throughout your entire restaurant, designate a specific outdoor area where dogs can join their owners. This area should have comfortable seating, shaded spaces, and possibly even some dog-friendly amenities, like water bowls.
• Ensure Safety and Cleanliness: Make sure your dog-friendly area is clean and well-maintained. Dog owners appreciate a safe and hygienic environment for both themselves and their pets. Be mindful of allergies and any potential safety hazards that may arise from allowing dogs in outdoor spaces.
• Promote Your Pet-Friendly Policies: Once your restaurants furniture is ready for dogs, let your customers know! Advertise your dog-friendly outdoor seating on social media, on your website, and through in-store signage. Consider creating special events or promotions to encourage pet owners to bring their dogs along.
• Provide Dog-Friendly Treats: Adding a small dog-friendly menu or offering treats like dog biscuits or cupcakes can add to the overall experience. These small touches make a huge difference and will make customers more likely to return with their pets in the future.

Should Dogs Be Allowed in Restaurants?

The question of whether dogs should be allowed in restaurants has been a topic of debate. Some argue that pets can be a distraction or cause disruptions, while others argue that they contribute to a more relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Ultimately, it depends on the specific circumstances and the type of establishment.

For restaurants with outdoor seating, dog-friendly options are more easily integrated without disrupting the flow of indoor dining. Outdoor dining allows for separation, ensuring that pet owners can enjoy their meals without disturbing other diners. With the right guidelines and space, allowing dogs can enhance the overall experience for everyone.

Conclusion

Incorporating a dog-friendly outdoor seating area into your restaurant is not just about catering to pet owners; it's about growing your business, building customer loyalty, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Whether you're looking to attract more customers, improve your brand image, or increase revenue, the benefits of having a pet-friendly restaurant are undeniable. So, why not leap and turn your outdoor space into a haven for dogs and their owners? Your customers—and their furry companions—will thank you!