Q: What are the innovations that are game changers with outdoor spaces?
Amy Forseth: The lasting change we see from the COVID era is that more restaurants are converting their outdoor areas to innovative dining spaces. Words like streateries and parklets have entered restaurateurs’ vocabularies. Temporary sidewalk or parking area dining licenses may become permanent al fresco locations. In addition to providing shade under center pole, in-table or cantilevered models, creating stylish and safe areas for individual parties with tents has seen a significant uptick in popularity.
Q: What makes these products unique?
AF: Restaurateurs want to cater to their guests’ desire for great food, great service and the confidence to feel protected while dining. FiberBuilt’s 10 ft x 10 ft Classic Pop Up Tents have two white fabric walls (one a solid and one with a Buena Vista clear vinyl window) to social distance in style. They set up quickly, provide privacy, and protect from inclement weather. Our commercial grade Market umbrellas fit in-table and, with hundreds of fabrics to choose from, beautifully compliment the establishment’s décor.
Q: What are the biggest benefits these items offer?
AF: Diners can relax under the protection from sun and other diners, and operators can show that they’re taking their guests’ safety seriously while expanding their footprint of functional space. Many of FiberBuilt’s full line of budget-friendly, durable shade products fit sidewalk size requirements as well as the location’s design aesthetic.