How a Café Veranda Boosts Revenue: Design and Strategy Tips
07.06.2025
A summer veranda isn’t just a pretty add-on to a café’s interior — it’s a business asset. Done right, it can boost seasonal revenue by 30–50%, attract new guests, and strengthen your brand presence. In many cases, it becomes a separate sales zone with its own vibe, menu, and promotional potential. If you have the space — it’s worth using it to full advantage.
Why Outdoor Seating Matters for Profitability
According to restaurant industry data, verandas can increase a café’s revenue by an average of 35% during warm months. In large cities, venues with outdoor areas enjoy higher customer return rates and more loyal patrons. It’s not just about food anymore — people want a place to meet, relax, and even work outdoors.
OpenTable data
In Moscow, cafés with verandas receive twice as many bookings during the season compared to similar spots without outdoor space
Know Who You’re Designing For
Successful verandas start with understanding who’s actually going to use them:
Once you understand the audience, you can plan seating, layout, lighting, and even menu choices accordingly.
- Young couples and friend groups — looking for vibe, photo spots, cocktails, and music
- Families with kids — need shade, safety, and space to move
- Freelancers and remote workers — want outlets, Wi-Fi, and peace
- Walk-ins — passersby who respond to the visual appeal from the street
Once you understand the audience, you can plan seating, layout, lighting, and even menu choices accordingly.
Visual Design That Attracts
Your veranda should instantly spark the reaction: “I want to sit there.” It’s about feeling, not just function.
Use:
Use:
- Natural textures like wood, rattan, and linen
- Live greenery — especially hanging planters and green dividers
- Comfortable chairs and lightweight tables
- A canopy or pergola to protect against sun and light rain
«We always create a ‘wow zone’ — a spot people naturally want to photograph. One good photo can bring dozens of new guests. Arches, rattan furniture, creative signage — they work particularly well on verandas.»
Designer’s take
— Alsu Agisheva, interior designer for cafés and restaurants, 8+ years experience
— Alsu Agisheva, interior designer for cafés and restaurants, 8+ years experience
Seasonal Menu and Drink Options
The veranda deserves its own menu — not just a copy of what’s indoors.
Include:
Speed of service and presentation matter. People seated outside are more likely to share their food photos — and that can work in your favor.
Items with a “summer look” — think mint, ice, fruit, flowers — get up to 60% more engagement on social media and are ordered more often.
Include:
- Refreshing drinks (house lemonades, light cocktails)
- Small plates and finger foods
- Vegetarian and health-conscious dishes
- Sharing platters for groups
Speed of service and presentation matter. People seated outside are more likely to share their food photos — and that can work in your favor.
Items with a “summer look” — think mint, ice, fruit, flowers — get up to 60% more engagement on social media and are ordered more often.
Outdoor Events and Specials
An open-air setting opens the door to unique events:
- Themed parties, live music, quiz nights
- Photo contests and social giveaways with geotags
- Happy hours and tastings under the open sky
Lighting and Evening Comfort
Once the sun sets, lighting becomes key to keeping guests around.
Set the tone with:
Consider patio heaters or cozy blankets — people tend to stay longer, and longer visits often mean higher checks.
Set the tone with:
- String lights, lanterns, and hanging lamps
- Plant lighting and stair highlights for safety
- Warm color temperature (2700–3000K) for comfort
Consider patio heaters or cozy blankets — people tend to stay longer, and longer visits often mean higher checks.
Promotion and Photo Opportunities
A well-set veranda markets itself — but only if it’s visually strong.
What helps:
Photos taken on verandas account for up to 40% of cafés’ organic traffic on social media — more effective than many paid ads.
What helps:
- One or two bold elements (a flower wall, swing, neon sign)
- Branded touches like custom plates, printed menus, drink coasters
- Encouraging guests to tag your café and geotag their posts
Photos taken on verandas account for up to 40% of cafés’ organic traffic on social media — more effective than many paid ads.
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Final Note
A veranda isn’t just “a few tables outside.” It’s a strategic move that generates real results. It increases revenue, improves visibility, and helps you build a loyal guest base. If there’s even a small opportunity to add one — it’s worth making the most of it.