The leaves are falling, and you can already feel the first chilly winds of the season blowing. What does this mean for an already weakened restaurant industry? After all, it’s just been a few months since restaurants got back to business after the global COVID-19 pandemic.
There’s only one thing that’s sure; it’s time to go out for a bite, with all the safety measures in place, of course. Here are 9 new things you can expect to see in most restaurants this fall.
Designer Facemasks
Both patrons and employees must use face masks at restaurants. Consumers can take them off once at their tables, but employees both front and back of the house must wear them all day. Restaurateurs have taken notice of it, and they’re making the most out of the unappealing accessory.
Designer face masks, uniformed, and probably made of nicer materials, are the new thing at restaurants and make the dining experience more pleasant for the waiting staff and us. Face masks shouldn’t be ugly.
More Terraces and Patio Sittings
Outdoor sitting has proven to be the best way of keeping everyone safe from the coronavirus, and that’s not that bad at all; patios, porches, and terraces are often the most coveted seats in the house. Who doesn’t love to dine alfresco?
Well, expect to see more of it. Even restaurants that didn’t have outdoor seating have figured something out, and local officials allow for sitting space at sidewalks in many major cities. Dining out these days means dining outside.
Complementary Blankets
Outdoor sitting is cool and all, but it’s fall after all, and that means you might get the chills before dessert! Restaurants anticipate this by bringing back a practice not commonly seen in a long time, complimentary blankets for all. And they’ll probably be some cozy, fancy blankets.
What about the virus? Don’t worry, blankets aren’t reused, not before being washed and sterilized. There’s no excuse for not going out for some wings and a beer, even if it’s cold outside.
Lots of Gas Heaters
Blankets help, of course, but you’ll need more than that to keep warm in some cities. That’s where patio gas heaters come in handy. Sales reports show that restaurants are buying these like pancakes, which means you’ll be just fine — warm and well-taken care of; that’s how much restaurateurs appreciate your visit in these troubled times.
While you’re at it, get yourself a gas heater for your patio. There are some attractive sales going on.
Plenty of Plants
Restaurants have to set in place outdoor sitting areas to make sure patrons are safe from the coronavirus, but they also have to respect a safe distance between tables. That makes the dining room feel empty and odd-looking. Here’s where plant arrangements, large pots, and garden walls come in. They make the place look cozier, greener, and more natural, literally.
Expect to see your favorite restaurants greener than ever; plants are not only ornamental; they’ll fill the empty space left by the health safety regulations.
No Air Conditioner
Luckily for us, the cold season is here because recent studies have shown air conditioner units in commercial places, like restaurants, helped spread the coronavirus during the early stages. This means using AC units in restaurants is now not recommended, at least for now.
If you can’t enjoy your dinner without AC, choose a table outside because the in-door dining room will get hot.
Ordering Ahead
There’s an entirely novel way of eating out, which relies on ordering your food beforehand, even hours before you head to the restaurant. Officials do not encourage physical menus anymore anyway, and this practice helps speed up the service, reducing the risk of covid spreading around.
This new practice takes some of the fun of eating out, but at least you get to skip your server’s five-minute daily specials speech.
Pickup Stations
Now you can order your food beforehand, but pickup service is still going strong. Actually, it is stronger than ever. Now, even fancy restaurants that didn’t offer take out or delivery are in it, and that’s not changing any time soon.
You’ll be surprised to find a pickup station even in your most traditional favorite restaurants, and that applies to both casual and fine dining establishments.
Loud, Upbeat Music
Here’s something you didn’t expect. Restaurants are running with half their capacity because sizeable crowds are a big no-no while the coronavirus is still around. That makes restaurants less noisy, and that feels unnatural. Cranking up the music can solve this problem, filling the void left by the tables removed.
Upbeat music also makes you eat faster and leave sooner, and with fewer chairs, that’s precisely what restaurants want you to do. Eat your dinner and leave; people are waiting for your spot.
That’s Doesn’t Sound So Bad, Does It?
We’re all coming out of this year-long pandemic, and it’s time to go out and celebrate. Yes, the weather is cold, and sure, restaurants are still not working at full capacity, but that’s no reason for not having a bite somewhere with friends.
What other new things have you spotted at restaurants near your home? Things are changing fast, and we can’t catch up! But all is for the best, so let’s just enjoy going out for dinner; restaurateurs are doing all they can to feed us while keeping us safe.
