by Brianna Crandall — May 16, 2016 — As temperatures continue to warm up during the spring and summer months, tenants and patrons of buildings with a patio will be spending more time outdoors.
In anticipation of increased summer traffic, specialized workplace product and service provider Cintas Corporation shares six steps that facilities and restaurants with a patio should take to ready them for outdoor breaks and al fresco dining, in order to give tenants and guests a better experience as well as extend the life of the patio.
Cintas offers the following checklist to prepare patios for outdoor diners and other users:
- Power wash the patio. In addition to the build-up of dirt and dust, patio areas are constantly subject to spilled beverages, dropped food and gum. Power washing the patio will help remove the grime left behind from winter weather. Power washing will enhance the customer experience and improve the look of your restaurant.
- Clean glass and awnings. Windows are one of the first things that a customer sees before entering the business, so do not allow their opinion to be skewed with a dirty exterior. Start at the top and wipe down awnings to prevent dirt from building up on the surface. If windows have any dings or cracks, address the issue immediately.
- Install floor mats. According to the Institute of Industrial Launderers, 80 percent of dirt is tracked into a building from outside. Entrance mats are the facility’s first line of defense against dirt, soil and water. Partner with a mat provider who can manage the facility’s matting program, laundering mats on a regular basis and replacing them to help protect floors in the building.
- Clear outdoor drains. A flooded patio will keep potential outdoor diners away. It is important to clear any outdoor drains of leaves or other debris to prevent a backup that could severely rain on the outdoor patio season.
- Hire a handyman. From retouching exterior paint to ensuring outdoor lighting is working properly, identify areas around the patio that could use extra attention. While these issues might not impact day-to-day operations, they can affect how customers perceive the business and their dining experience
- Update the facility’s emergency contact list. In many parts of the country, summer will bring severe storms with heavy wind, rain and lightning. Review the emergency contact list to make sure all vendors are still in business and that all employees know what to do in an emergency situation.
From the front to the back of house, Cintas delivers a wide range of solutions so restaurants and other facilities can provide a clean, safe, and secure environment. For more information on Cintas’ solutions for foodservice facilities, visit Cintas’ Managed Solutions Web site.
