Stay cool, stay open: The heatwave survival guide for restaurants

Hot is out—cool is in 

The summer’s hottest restaurants will be those who can keep outdoor guests cool all season long. Heat does more than just make people uncomfortable; it hits restaurants hard in three critical areas: 

• Revenue: Heatwaves reduce overall customers and hinder outdoor dining, which accounts for 20% of most full-service restaurants’ revenue 

• Staff turnover: Hot working conditions lead to increased employee turnover when you need your team most 

• Operating costs: Cranking air conditioning drives up electricity bills and strains HVAC systems, leading to higher maintenance costs and potential breakdowns 

When temperatures soar, your outdoor dining space shouldn’t become a ghost town. That’s why smart restaurant owners know that beating the heat ultimately protects their bottom line. Here are some useful tips to help you stay ahead of the outdoor dining heatwave. 

3 tips for keeping your staff and customers cool this summer 

Invest in shaded spaces 

Smart restaurant design starts with understanding what diners prefer. Research conducted by Toast shows that 62% of restaurant-goers prefer a covered, screened-in patio when dining outside. But shade alone isn’t enough when temperatures climb above comfortable levels. “No one’s sitting out [on] the patio at 100 degrees,” says Steven Hislop, CEO of Chuy’s. 

The most successful restaurants create multi-layered cooling zones that combine shade with active cooling solutions for outdoor dining. These solutions go beyond your basic umbrellas and can include retractable awnings, strategic landscaping that blocks harsh sun, and big outdoor fans for patios that work alongside comprehensive patio cooling systems. 

Whether you’re cooling outdoor event spaces or hosting special dining experiences, the key is combining multiple approaches for maximum guest comfort. 

Adjust your hours 

Flexibility is your friend when fighting extreme heat. A shift as simple as starting dinner service near sunset, when outdoor temperatures begin to drop, transforms an unusable patio into your most popular seating area.  

But your restaurant’s summer preparedness doesn’t have to stop there. Kitchen schedules and menus can also be altered to accommodate higher temperatures.  

You could even create “heatwave specials” with refreshing options that limit the use of your cooking equipment during peak temperature hours. Guests naturally seek lighter fare and cold beverages during outdoor dining heatwave conditions, which are often much easier for your kitchen staff to manage while maintaining safe working conditions. 

Use evaporative cooling 

Here’s where the game changes. Portacool evaporative coolers can lower ambient temperatures by as much as 30°F, transforming that scorching patio into the coolest lunch spot in town (literally). 

Unlike traditional air conditioning, these patio cooling systems work perfectly in outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces. The Portacool APEX 2000, for example, provides optimal coverage for larger outdoor dining areas, while the APEX 700 works perfectly for smaller spaces and intimate patio settings. As a result, Portacool helps guests enjoy longer visits, encouraging them to spend more and return for future outdoor dining experiences. 

Why evaporative cooling beats the alternatives 

Portacool vs. Misting Systems: While misting systems add humidity that can make guests feel sticky and uncomfortable, Portacool delivers genuine cooling without the wet mess. Your guests stay dry while feeling significantly cooler. 

Portacool vs. Traditional Fans: Standard outdoor fans just move hot air around. Portacool actually lowers the air temperature, creating a true cooling effect that guests can feel the moment they enter your space. 

Portacool vs. Air Conditioning: At approximately $1 per day to operate, Portacool costs significantly less than extending your indoor air conditioning to outdoor spaces. Instead, it can complement your existing HVAC systems or serve as a reliable backup when your main cooling systems are overwhelmed. 

Experienced restaurant owners who invest in proper evaporative cooling see immediate results. These cooling solutions for outdoor dining go beyond guest comfort by helping ensure staff safety during extreme heat conditions. It’s a critical consideration for every restaurant owner as OSHA continues to emphasize employer responsibilities for worker protection in high-temperature environments. 

Ready to beat the heat? 

The restaurants that thrive during heatwaves are those that prepare before the temperature climbs. When you invest in proper cooling solutions, you’re not just buying equipment — you’re protecting guest comfort, staff retention, and your bottom line. By combining smart scheduling, strategic shade, and powerful evaporative cooling, you can turn your biggest summer challenge into your competitive advantage. 

Don’t wait for the next heatwave to test your cooling strategy. Keep your guests comfortable, your staff happy, and your revenue flowing, no matter how high the temperature rises.