In the wake of the global pandemic, the restaurant industry has witnessed a seismic shift towards outdoor dining. This trend, initially a necessity due to health and safety concerns, has now evolved into a preference that shows no signs of waning. As we emerge into the post-pandemic era, outdoor dining isn't just an emergency response; it's become a staple of the culinary experience, reshaping the way restaurateurs and patrons view dining spaces. Restaurants are now looking to biophilic design principles to bring the beauty of nature to unadorned or urban spaces.

The Surge in Outdoor Dining: A Statistical Overview

Staying on top of industry trends and developments is how we at Artificial Plants Unlimited stay tapped into our clients’ wants and needs. A recent survey by OpenTable showed that there has been a more than 50% increase in the number of outdoor dining reservations compared to pre-pandemic levels.¹ As a result, roughly 70% of full-service restaurants offered outdoor dining following the pandemic, according to a recent report from the National Restaurant Association.¹

This shift wasn't just a temporary fix but a permanent transformation, with majority of these restaurants planning to continue their outdoor dining services for the foreseeable future. This comes as a direct result of customer feedback and experiences during and post-pandemic as that same report found that nearly 70% of consumers liked having the option to enjoy their meal outdoors whether that be on a patio, deck or even sidewalk.¹

Making Outdoor Spaces Permanent

Embracing this trend, restaurants have creatively revamped their outdoor spaces, transforming sidewalks, patios, and even parking lots into vibrant dining areas. This transformation goes beyond mere necessity; it reflects an understanding of the evolving preferences of diners who now crave open-air environments. Cities worldwide have recognized this preference and are responding in kind, with many urban areas revising zoning laws to accommodate this dining revolution.

In New York City a survey from the NYC Hospitality Alliance stated that 91% of New York City restaurants said permanent outdoor dining is very important to the future of their business, echoing the sentiment felt in most cities across the country.³ From New York to Paris, streets have been redesigned to support outdoor dining, signifying a shift in urban planning that prioritizes pedestrian spaces and communal experiences.

Enhancing Outdoor Experiences with Artificial Plants

As the outdoor dining trend solidifies, restaurants are now focusing on elevating the outdoor dining experience. One significant trend is the incorporation of artificial plants to create an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment. Unlike their natural counterparts, artificial plants offer durability and low maintenance, making them ideal for busy restaurant settings. Products such as our UV Outdoor Rated Made to Order Custom Logo or Figure Topiary Shape offer an opportunity to create unique outdoor spaces and experience that patrons will seek out.

The Advantages of Artificial Plants in Outdoor Dining Spaces

Health and Hygiene

Dining outdoors can expose diners to unwanted elements such as pests, plant debris falling into foods and patrons suffering from allergies. Artificial plants, such as our UV Outdoor Rated Impatiens in Hanging Basket, eliminate these and other health concerns related to installing and maintaining live plants, especially in tight spaces such as outdoor patios or sidewalks.

Low Maintenance and Durability

Artificial plants require no watering, pruning, or pest control, reducing operational costs and labor for restaurants. They withstand various weather conditions, from extreme heat to torrential downpours all while retaining their appearance throughout the seasons. No need to worry about environmental concerns such as droughts either because our collections stand the test of time.

Aesthetic Appeal and Ease of Design

Artificial plants come in diverse varieties, allowing for unlimited creative design options that enhance the dining ambiance. Anything you can imagine can be created, regardless of where you are located. Want to create an outdoor jungle in Wisconsin or an oasis in the middle of winter in Vermont? It’s no issue with our wide selection of gorgeous plants, topiaries and hedges like our Areca Palms with Flowers in Keswick Fiberglass Planter, which like all our products is made using high-quality synthetic materials and integrated UV resistance.

Cost-effectiveness

The rising cost of goods and services, especially post-pandemic have soared and this is no different within the restaurant industry. 93% of owners say their restaurant’s total food costs are higher than they were in 2019 ² and as of August 2022, 85% say they are even less profitable than in 2019.³ With the inability to reduce food costs, businesses need to look for savings elsewhere and that is where our collections shine; the low maintenance and permanent nature of our products means less overhead and more money to apply to rising operation costs.

The Future of Outdoor Dining

The future of outdoor dining is bright and innovative and everlasting. With technological advancements, we can expect smart solutions to further enhance the al fresco dining experience. Moreover, the integration of artificial plants gives restaurants the resources and products to explore unique themes, immersive experiences, and even interactive elements to captivate their customers. The aim is to create not just a dining space but an experience that resonates with patrons.

The surge in outdoor dining is more than a trend; it's a transformative movement that is reshaping the culinary landscape. By making outdoor spaces permanent fixtures and enhancing them with elements like the artificial plants, tress and hedges we offer as part of our exclusive collections, restaurants are not just adapting to change; they are leading it. This evolution in dining is a testament to the industry's resilience and innovation, offering a silver lining in the post-pandemic world. If you’re ready to create impactful outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come or just curious, please visit our website or request a catalog of our unique and upscale collections.

About Artificial Plants UnlimitedArtificial Plants Unlimited - is a premier provider of lifelike artificial foliage, flowering plants, floral arrangements, living walls, and synthetic hedges with an unrivaled track record of over 35 years. We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of design innovation and technological advancements, ensuring that our clients always receive the latest and most cutting-edge solutions. Our expertise lies in crafting custom designs that set the benchmark for realism, encompassing a diverse range of faux plant varieties, from stunning succulent arrangements to towering 40-foot fabricated trees. With a team of highly skilled local artisans, we consistently deliver bespoke products that surpass industry standards and exceed customer expectations.