First Watch, a popular breakfast and brunch chain, decided to improve its outdoor dining options by expanding the seating area with a custom patio cover at its Maryville, Tennessee, location. With the rising demand for outdoor dining, an insulated patio cover became the ideal solution. Not only does it protect guests from the weather, but it also creates a welcoming atmosphere. By adding a shade, restaurants like First Watch can increase customer satisfaction and boost revenue, making it a smart choice for commercial spaces.
Project Overview
For this project, the goal was to build a comfortable outdoor dining area that could be used year-round, no matter the weather. The patio cover needed to fit in with the restaurant’s existing style while offering a cozy, inviting space for customers. The design had to be practical and weather-resistant, allowing guests to enjoy dining outdoors in any season while still complementing the restaurant’s overall look and feel.
Design and Customization
The design process for the patio cover focused on creating a visually stunning yet functional outdoor space.
First Watch opted for a black frame and gray bronze roof panels, which not only matched the restaurant’s modern aesthetic but also provided a sleek, contemporary look. To further elevate the dining experience, the custom patio cover was customized with recessed lights for ambient evening lighting and fans to ensure airflow and comfort during warmer days.
Additionally, the wall-mounted patio cover was built using weather-resistant materials, ensuring that the structure would withstand changing weather conditions without compromising on quality or appearance. This thoughtful customization allowed First Watch to provide an outdoor dining space that is not only attractive but also comfortable year-round.
Installation Challenges and Solutions
As with any custom installation, challenges were inevitable. The patio at First Watch featured a unique angle that required adjustments to the design and installation process. Kulyk Outdoors, our local dealer responsible for the installation, expertly handled these challenges. By adjusting the angle of the patio cover’s structure and carefully aligning it with the existing architecture, they ensured a perfect fit. Our ability to adapt to the unique features of the site allowed for a smooth installation and a seamless final product.
Manufacturing and Installation Timeline
The Finished Custom Patio Cover
The custom patio cover is 500 sq ft, providing enough space for multiple outdoor tables, effectively increasing the restaurant’s seating capacity. The black frame and bronze roof panels offered a sleek and modern look that complemented the restaurant’s contemporary aesthetic. The integrated lighting and fan system created a comfortable atmosphere, while the insulated panels provided thermal comfort, ensuring that the outdoor space could be used year-round, regardless of weather conditions. The patio cover not only aligned with the restaurant’s aesthetic but also added a layer of sophistication to the overall dining environment.
Benefits of a Commercial Patio Cover
A commercial patio cover like the one installed for First Watch offers numerous benefits, both for the restaurant and its customers. In the following sections, we will explore how patio covers enhance outdoor dining, provide weather protection, and contribute to the long-term durability and appeal of commercial spaces.
Enhancing Outdoor Dining Experiences
Moreover, the patio cover’s thoughtful design created a pleasant atmosphere for guests, improving their overall dining experience. The combination of shaded protection and airflow from the fans made the outdoor area as comfortable as the indoor seating, encouraging customers to choose outdoor seating more frequently, even during warmer months.
Weather Protection and Durability
One of the key benefits of installing a patio cover is its ability to provide weather protection. The R-SHADE™ installed at First Watch features insulated roof panels that protect diners from the sun’s heat during the summer, as well as light rain and wind. This ensures that the outdoor space can be utilized regardless of weather conditions, making it a versatile and valuable asset for the restaurant.
In addition to weather protection, patio covers are designed to be durable and low-maintenance, especially when built with high-quality, weather-resistant materials. The R-SHADE™ patio cover is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years to come. This long-term durability reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements, saving the restaurant time and money in the long run.
A Successful Partnership
The First Watch patio cover installation is a prime example of a successful collaboration between a restaurant and an experienced manufacturer and installation team. Azenco Outdoor and Kulyk Outdoors expertly navigated the project’s challenges, from the custom angle of the patio to ensuring the patio cover fit the restaurant’s aesthetic vision. The result was a functional, beautiful outdoor space that aligned with First Watch’s needs for increased seating capacity and customer comfort.
The R-SHADE™ provided numerous benefits, including enhanced dining experiences, weather protection, and long-term durability, making it a worthwhile investment for the restaurant. By expanding its outdoor seating with a custom patio cover, First Watch has improved its ability to accommodate more guests, ensuring continued growth and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
For restaurants, hotels, and bars seeking custom patio covers to enhance outdoor capacity, Azenco Outdoor is your solution. Contact us or call us at 305-306-3204 or visit to discuss your rooftop bar vision.
