An outdoor cafe is a great idea for a seasonal business. However, in order for this company to be profitable, you should carefully consider the concept of the future institution and take into account all the attendant nuances. What equipment for a summer cafe is necessary, and what can be abandoned at first?
Choose the format of the institution
Summer cafes are different, and each of them is aimed at a certain category of visitors. Some are designed for a quick snack and rest, while others can organize a full feast or spend a romantic evening. Do not forget about the popular format "cafe-evening disco." Depending on the concept of the institution, a menu is also formed. It may contain only drinks and ready-made snacks or home-made dishes. Accordingly, the equipment for the summer cafe should be selected depending on the needs of the institution and the operations performed by personnel.
Minimum required
What menu items are most in demand in the warm season? That's right, it's ice cream and chilled drinks. Accordingly, the operation of the summer cafe will require refrigerators. Draft beer and low alcohol drinks in the factory packaging are no less popular in the summer heat. Kegs and related equipment are offered on a seasonal rental basis by many foam drink suppliers. Attention: for trade in alcohol in a cafe you will need to obtain special permission.
Accompanying goods for beer are ready-made snacks: a variety of crackers, chips, snacks. Such products usually do not require special storage conditions, but it would be useful to draw up a store window. In addition, the current equipment for the summer cafe is an electric kettle and a microwave. If you want to offer guests several coffee positions, a coffee machine will be a useful purchase.
Kitchen equipment of a summer cafe
Significantly expand the audience of visitors to a catering establishment by increasing the number of menu items. Even in a relatively small area of the summer cafe, you can successfully equip a kitchen. Barbecue and other grilled dishes are very popular. What equipment for a summer cafe to choose for cooking such food? It will be enough of one stove and a large barbecue or electric grill. You will also need a separate refrigerator in which you can store food. A deep fryer will be an excellent acquisition - this device will allow you to cook a large number of various appetizers and side dishes, in particular, the favorite “french fries”. Equipment for the summer areas of the summer cafe should ensure compliance with sanitary standards. First of all, it is necessary to solve the issue of supplying water for washing products and utensils, to equip the corresponding zones. It is also important to organize a toilet for staff and visitors. A good option - cab dry closets, they are not expensive, and convenient to transport.
The design of the "hall" of the summer cafe
A seasonal catering establishment can be opened on a well-equipped veranda, an open area or under the dome of a special tent. If the cafe does not have a roof, be sure to think about protecting the guests from the sun, purchase in sufficient quantities special large umbrellas or arrange a common canopy for the entire territory. It is also important to think about isolating the cooking area from the “lounge”. It will also be useful to install a bar, if the waiters serve the visitors, this element of the interior can carry a decorative function and hide the bar equipment from guests. What furniture is best for summer cafes? The most common are plastic or wooden tables, chairs and benches. The advantages are obvious - ease of care, mobility, ease of storage. Another important issue is the choice of dishes and accessories for serving dishes and drinks to guests. For establishments of the bistro category, the best solution is to use disposable appliances, glasses and plates. If the cafe is positioned as a place for spiritual relaxation and long gatherings, it makes sense to purchase beautiful glass or plastic dishes intended for reusable use. As you can see, equipment for a summer cafe is not too expensive and you can start a business in this area with a small start-up capital.