"The explosion of outdoor dining is both a survival tool for restaurants and a welcome cultural shift that may be here to stay", states Jessica Ritz, in her article originally published on Metropolis. In fact, the author explores hospitality trends that have emerged during the pandemic in California, mainly outdoor dining, and that are likely to last or be present for a long time.
The simple pleasure of eating outside in Southern California’s temperate climate was long taken for granted and before the pandemic, it was rare to see restaurants offer much in the way of outdoor tables. During the pandemic, outdoor dining emerged as a lifeline for restaurants but it’s become something more—a lifestyle perk that was previously in surprisingly short supply. As the pandemic wanes, there’s a sense of urgency to formalize and improve outdoor dining experiences among business owners and public agencies.
