Motorized Shades for Restaurants: Enhancing the Dining Experience

Nestled along Florida's scenic 30A corridor, The Bay and its sister restaurant, Great Southern Café, stand out for their cuisine and innovative approach to outdoor dining comfort. Tasked with maintaining a great outdoor seating experience in Florida's sometimes fickle weather, these restaurants turned to GHT Group for a solution to protect their patrons without sacrificing the al fresco experience. Motorized shades for restaurants have become a revolutionary element in dining ambiance and operational efficiency. This case study reveals how automated shading has elevated the dining experience and weather resilience of these beloved 30A eateries.

SEE ALSO: WHY MOTORIZED OUTDOOR SHADES ARE PERFECT FOR FLORIDA

THE PROJECT’S GENESIS

The Bay is a popular waterfront eatery at the foot of the 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach, drawing its name from the prime location overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. While dining with a colleague outside on the restaurant's patio, GHT Group's Ben Cooper spotted the restaurant employee's struggle with ineffective plastic shades as winds picked up and rain threatened. Since GHT Group specialized in motorized shade installation in residential patios, he initiated a conversation that would lead to a transformative project. The challenge was maintaining the allure of outdoor dining while mitigating the unpredictability of coastal weather. This proactive engagement by GHT Group set the stage for a partnership that would solve an operational headache for the restaurants and elevate the dining experience for their guests.

THE CLIENT’S PROBLEM

The Bay Restaurant and Great Southern Café, while thriving in the 30A area, faced a common yet pressing issue that could disrupt their busy environments: the unpredictable Florida weather. With waterfront views being a significant draw and outdoor seating considered the prime option, the restaurants needed a way to protect their outdoor diners from sudden rainstorms and intense sun without compromising the open-air experience. The existing plastic roll-down shades were ineffective against the elements and required a labor-intensive effort to deploy—often too late to prevent the disruption of a passing storm.

Both restaurants sought a solution that would seamlessly blend with their aesthetic and atmosphere. They needed an upgrade that would enhance the dining experience, retain the views, and improve their operational efficiency—especially during inclement weather.

THE SOLUTION

The solution to the outdoor dining conundrum faced by restaurants came in the form of motorized patio screens, specifically the Draper FlexShade ZIP. GHT Group undertook the project with a clear vision: to enhance the restaurants' functionality and aesthetics without compromising the scenic views that are a staple of the 30A dining experience.

Installation was meticulously planned and executed, ensuring that the shades fit seamlessly into the existing structure of the restaurants. Each shade was custom-sized to fit the openings, providing a sleek look and perfect functionality. With the FlexShade ZIP's unique zippered design, the shades lock into side channels, creating a solid barrier against wind, rain, and sun, thus protecting diners without obstructing the picturesque waterfront views.

The choice of material for the shades was crucial. GHT Group provided various options, allowing the restaurants to choose the perfect balance between visibility and protection. The material selected will enable diners to still enjoy the environment around them, even when the shades are fully deployed.

The staff at both The Bay and Great Southern Café now enjoy the convenience of a multi-zone remote, which offers flexibility in shade control, and wall switches have been installed for individual control of each shade. This dual approach to operation ensures that the shades can be easily adjusted as weather conditions change, allowing the restaurants to maintain a comfortable dining environment at all times.

RESULTS AND BENEFITS

Since the Draper FlexShade ZIP motorized shades were installed, the transformation at The Bay and Great Southern Café has been remarkable. Not only has the aesthetic appeal of these eateries been elevated, but the functionality of their outdoor spaces has significantly improved. The staff no longer dreads the approach of inclement weather, as the shades can be deployed swiftly and effortlessly, preserving the comfort of diners and the continuity of service.

The restaurants have also substantially improved their ability to manage indoor temperatures. On cooler days, the shades act as insulators, retaining warmth and reducing the need for external heaters. Conversely, during the sun-soaked days for which the 30A area is known, the shades provide respite from the heat, contributing to a cooler, more pleasant dining atmosphere.

Perhaps the most significant impact has been on the restaurants' capacity. The Bay, known for its laid-back bar atmosphere, and Great Southern Café, a hotspot for breakfast lovers, have both maximized their seating availability. No longer at the mercy of the weather, the restaurants can now confidently host guests in their outdoor spaces, come rain or shine.

Feedback from both staff and customers has been overwhelmingly positive, with patrons expressing appreciation for the uninterrupted dining experience and the staff praising the ease of operation. These motorized shades have not only protected the restaurants from the elements but have also safeguarded their business operations, ensuring they remain mainstays of the 30A dining scene.

The transformation at The Bay and Great Southern Café showcases not only the practicality and beauty of motorized shades for restaurants but also how they have positively impacted business and created a better environment for staff and patrons. GHT would enjoy the opportunity to do the same for your establishment. Contact us here, visit our Florida showroom, or click the chat box below to connect quickly with one of our staff members. We look forward to working with you!