8 Commercial Case Studies to Inspire Outdoor Coverage
When it comes to adding outdoor coverage to any space, there are a lot of options to choose from. There are awnings, umbrellas, pergolas or even just trees and plants. What if you want something that adapts to your project and is stylish and functional? That’s where ShadeFX comes in. We are experts in providing shade solutions for businesses of all types and sizes. This blog post will highlight eight case studies of businesses that chose our ShadeFX system and saw amazing results and profitability.
Joia on Main
All about serving traditional Italian food, owners Marco and Eugenio expanded their Joia Ristorante franchise to Newmarket, Ontario. Appropriately dubbed Joia on Main, the new location has a massive patio that boasts amazing views, including the Newmarket River Commons.
The Problem: Joia on Main opened its new patio with large table umbrellas. Unfortunately, the umbrellas only protect guests from the sun, limiting patio time only to the hot summer months. They needed a robust weather solution that would allow them to keep their patio open way beyond patio season.
The Solution: ShadeFX manufactured three large, connected structures with 20’ x 18’ motorized retractable roofs. For rain management, gutters were added along the outside edges and between the structures. The waterproof and fire-retardant fabric allowed heaters to be mounted onto the structures.
The Result: With the addition of overhead coverage and heaters, the restaurant can extend its patio season by almost two months. When other patios had the normal May to October window, Joia on Main opened their patios as early as March until early November. In addition, the patio stays open during inclement weather, seating a maximum number of guests without affecting the bottom line.
Cantina del Centro
Located in Nelson, BC, Cantina del Centro is a popular downtown restaurant known for its array of Mexican food. During the Summer, the restaurant sets up an outdoor patio across the sidewalk, accommodating the overflow while offering patrons an alfresco experience.
The Problem: This vibrant eatery had the opportunity to move to a bigger space and wanted to expand its outdoor patio space. They needed an all-weather outdoor shade solution that could be easily erected and torn down before and after patio season.
The Solution: Working with ShadeFX, the Cantina team designed a hollow tube box frame that can be torn down and re-erected before the season began. The design of the frame also allowed for the incorporation of gas heaters. For shade, two 16’ x 14’ retractable canopies were installed over the pop-up patio, covering around 450 sq. ft. of outdoor dining space.
The Result: Cantina offers the ideal al fresco experience with the combination of retractable shades and commercial heaters. The complete solution allows the owners to keep the patio popped up for an extra 30 days.
Hurricanes Roadhouse
The name alone suggests that this business offers its customers a unique experience. Hurricanes Roadhouse Restaurant is a lively hangout near Bloor and Ossington that has one of the better back patios in the area. It is the place to be if you are hungry, an extreme sports fan or both.
The Problem: The existing patio needed a major overhaul. The rolldown awnings did an okay job keeping the guests dry if there was light rain. However, it didn’t do much in the way of comfort as the space always felt cramped and cold as the seasons changed.
The Solution: ShadeFX customized and installed a large 22’ x 18’ retractable canopy to protect the newly renovated space from sun and rain. The motorized operation ensures that the space can be covered at the push of a button. The fire-retardant canopy fabric allows the owners to install heaters, converting the patio into a three-season room.
The Result: The new patio now provides heat when it is chilly and coverage when it rains. When the weather is nice, the shade is easily retracted to let the sunshine in. Taking patio season by storm, Hurricane’s extended the usage of their outdoor space from three to almost six months.
Chicken N’ Pickle
Born from a man’s love for delicious food, wood-fired chicken and the game of pickleball, Chicken N Pickle is a unique indoor/outdoor entertainment complex. Spread across America, each branch includes a casual restaurant, sports bar, pickleball courts, and yard games, including their flagship location in Kansas City, Montana.
The Problem: This unique venue added a spacious rooftop deck where customers could relax, listen to music and admire Kansas City’s skyline. Patrons could also fuel up on a myriad of chicken and vegetarian foods in a dedicated casual outdoor dining space. However, the CNP management wanted to ensure customers were comfortable regardless of the weather.
The Solution: Two reliable retractable canopies on a custom ShadeFX aluminum pergola were the key. The complete solution provides over 600 square feet of sun and rain protection. The motorized operation makes retracting and extending the two canopies easy.
The Result: With the addition of curtains, the space can be a cozy and dry refuge when the weather turns. The rooftop deck is open to pickleball lovers but can also be reserved for private and corporate events.
Fionn MacCool’s
Fionn MacCool’s perfectly combines the atmosphere of an upscale pub with the comfort of a casual dining experience. Located in the greater Vaughan region, the premier Irish pub is known for its craft beer selection, traditional Irish activities, and weekly live music from local bands.
The Problem: The owners sought to increase the pub’s capacity by transforming their patio into an outdoor dining area. They also wanted to be able to use the space three-quarters of the year without having to lose out on revenue due to rain or cold weather.
The Solution: Fionn’s worked with ShadeFX to create the new structure to fit four custom retractable roofs. Complete with a gutter system, the solutions were crafted in an all-black, seamlessly blending in with the pub’s existing exterior design.
The Result: The outdoor space increased the pub’s seating capacity by almost 50 percent. The incorporation of a dynamic shade solution ensures full coverage for 24 tables and 100 seats in total. In addition, the outdoor bar area, televisions, lights and additional furniture also benefit from the overhead coverage. Finally, the added outdoor heaters help to extend their patio season way into the fall.
Café Diplomatico
Café Diplomatico has become a staple destination for Italian food in Little Italy, Toronto. Affectionately called “The Dip” by its customers, the outdoor dining spot is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining.
The Problem: The restaurant lacked adequate capacity. The owners needed a custom solution that would expand the use and duration of the existing patio. The traditional umbrella transformed the space aesthetically but lacked the functionality of providing sun and rain protection.
The Solution: ShadeFX created a new design for the Italian café, considering aesthetics and functionality. The new space incorporates a custom-built aluminum structure and four vibrant red retractable canopies. Gutters and drainage systems add an extra layer of rain management, while the fire-retardant fabric allows for the installation of commercial heaters.
The Result: The custom solution achieved the desired results. On top of doubling dining capacity from 15 to 30 tables, increasing useable space and the ability to keep the patio open longer, Café Dip exceeded its patio revenue projections.
Tortuga Inn Beach Resort
Tortuga Inn Beach Resort sits on the southern end of Anna Maria Island in Bradenton Beach, Florida. They offer different accommodation types, from Hotel style rooms to 2-bedroom luxury condos.
The Problem: The resort was also a popular location for destination weddings and other events. A pergola was built to accommodate beachside weddings or to serve as a venue for dinners or lounging. However, there was no solution for weather protection, which could ultimately ruin the experience of guests who used the pergola.
The Solution: ShadeFX manufactured nine retractable solutions in a beautiful shade of green. Six canopies were installed underneath the pergola on opposite sides, while three retractable roofs grace the center. The canopy’s waterproof fabric ensures that the pergola provides extensive shade and rain coverage.
The Result: Guests can choose between covered or open-air events depending on the feel and theme. They also have the flexibility to change their minds depending on the weather forecast. This gives Tortuga Inn Beach Resort a great edge as a beachfront venue.
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
First opening its doors over 50 years ago in North Vancouver, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar franchise has branched out to over 100 restaurants over the continent. The Keg’s corporate flagship restaurant at 165 York Street is located in the heart of Canada’s financial district.
The Problem: Known for its classic steak and seafood dishes, The Keg wanted to remain a top choice for its young urban audience. They felt the existing patio was outdated and needed a complete overall to stay relevant and competitive.
The Solution: The massive overhaul saw the new space topped with six ShadeFX retractable canopies under modern overhead steel frames. The unique redesign required a fast, easy bolt-in solution. The canopies were custom-made for certain design intricacies, such as extra lengths and corner cuts.
The Result: The patio transformed into an urban refuge with overhead protection. The erected canopies do double duty by providing the necessary shade and complementing the modern look of the redesigned patio. External heaters and lighting help extend the use of the patio way after the outdoor season is expected to end.
ShadeFX retractable products are the perfect solution for businesses that want to increase their profits and shade options without sacrificing style or functionality. Our systems can be adaptable to any space or design, and our team of experts can work with you to find the perfect solution for your needs.
Contact us today if you’re ready to see how ShadeFX can benefit your business. We would be happy to discuss your project and provide a free quote.
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