In the 2026 hospitality landscape, your restaurant’s outdoor space is no longer just a “seasonal bonus” — it is often your most valuable dining area. With guests increasingly prioritizing fresh air, views, bringing their furry family member, or watching the game in an outdoor space, a well-designed patio can be the difference between a fully booked Saturday night and a sea of empty tables.
However, an uncovered patio is at the mercy of the elements, which we know isn’t always a good thing. Here is why investing in custom retractable systems from North Solar Screen is a great strategic move to maximize your restaurant’s revenue this year.
1. Turn “Seasonal Seating” into Year-Round Revenue
The biggest threat to your ROI is a patio that sits empty because it’s too hot, too bright, or too breezy. By installing a custom retractable awning, you gain total control over the environment. On 2026’s record-warm afternoons, you can deploy the awning to drop ambient temperatures by up to 20 degrees. When the sun goes down or the weather turns mild, retract the system to offer your guests an open-air dining experience.
2. Beat the Wind with High-Wind Engineering
Standard umbrellas and light-duty shades often have to be closed at the first sign of a breeze, causing challenges for staff and management as well as frustrating guests mid-meal. North Solar Screen’s Citadel and Grande series are specifically engineered for commercial durability, capable of withstanding winds between 35 and 50 MPH. This means your patio stays open—and your guests stay comfortable—even when the weather is less than perfect.
3. Protect Your Interior and Your Assets
A custom awning doesn’t just benefit the people sitting under it; it protects your building.
- Energy Savings: By blocking solar heat before it ever touches your windows, you significantly reduce the load on your HVAC system, lowering monthly utility costs.
- Preserve Decor: UV rays can quickly fade high-end restaurant furniture, flooring, and upholstery. Our shades block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, keeping your interior looking brand new.
4. Enhance Your Curb Appeal and Branding
Your patio is your best advertisement. A sleek, motorized retractable awning from the North Solar Screen Exterior Collection adds an immediate sense of sophistication and high-end status to your storefront. Available in a wide variety of commercial-grade fabrics, these systems can be tailored to match your brand’s aesthetic, making your establishment stand out to every passerby.
5. Seamless Smart Integration
In 2026, efficiency is key. Our motorized systems can be integrated into your existing smart building technology. With the touch of a button—or via a scheduled app—your staff can deploy or retract the entire patio system in seconds, allowing them to focus on what matters most: providing excellent service to your guests.
Ready to expand your seating capacity?
Don’t let another season of unpredictable weather dictate your bottom line. Use the North Solar Screen Contact Form to schedule a professional consultation and discover how a custom retractable awning can transform your outdoor dining space into a high-performance revenue generator.





