ModStreet Investing in Outdoor Hospitality

Investing in Outdoor Hospitality Wisely for the Long Term

by ROGER ZALNERAITIS

When the pandemic began, many communities allowed restaurants to place parklets on public streets. This response proved to be very popular. A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association found that 84% of all respondents want to continue outdoor dining post-pandemic. The strongest outdoor dining use came from younger generations, those with children and those making more than $100,000 per year.

Demand for outdoor and on-street dining will continue postpandemic. This provides a great opportunity for restaurants and retailers alike to better utilize parking spaces for an enhanced guest experience. A parklet could increase revenues for your business while providing a vibrant and inviting place for your customers.

However, it’s important to plan your outdoor space wisely. Parklets are a long-term investment. As a company engaged in making parklets for restaurants and communities alike, these are the issues we see recurring the most. Thinking through these before building your new outdoor seating is important to ensure a quality product for you and your patrons: » Is the parklet going to create a positive ROI? Most parklets are more expensive than the early ones created during the pandemic. This also means higher quality so that you will get years of use out of one.

Understanding your costs and revenues will help ensure you make a purchase that will strengthen your profits instead of hurting them. » Do you or your parklet partner have access to financing? This can significantly reduce the upfront costs and turn a parklet into a reasonable expense. » Are all relevant agencies involved? Some towns are still struggling with the permitting process for onstreet dining. Having all appropriate agencies involved from the start — such as building, fire, planning and transportation — is important to getting your project open in a timely manner. » Does your investment enhance the image of your business? Your customers will want a pleasing, attractive place to visit. It is also important to consider weather so that you protect customers from heat, rain or cold. » Are you addressing the safety of your staff and customers?

Vehicle crashes are becoming more common, and some locations are challenged with vagrancy. Working with your designer or manufacturer can help reduce potential harm from both. » Do you have a plan for staffing and serving an outdoor facility long term? Best practices exist to help ensure the best customer experience when they are outside.

If you address these items, you can make the best investment for your business.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at roger@modstreet.co, and I’d be happy to work with you on these and other concerns you may have for your business. Our company stands ready to assist on all of these matters, so that you can have an outdoor space that everyone loves.

Roger Zalneraitis is the CEO of MODSTREET, a start-up modular parklet manufacturer that seeks to help businesses and communities reimagine and reinvigorate their outdoor space. Prior to this, Roger worked for over 16 years in nonprofit and public sector economic development. Roger holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Notre Dame, and a master’s degree in urban planning from Virginia Tech.

MODULAR MODULAR PARKLETS, PARKLETS, ENCLOSURES, ENCLOSURES, BARRICADES BARRICADES & MORE & MORE

MODSTREET was created to help businesses survive and communities to thrive. We have designed a state-of-the-art solution for restaurants, breweries, retailers and communities, to offer guest service seating on sidewalks and in parking spaces, during and beyond this pandemic.

Our parklets, enclosures and barricades are made of raw steel making them safe for your patrons. All our products are also easily assembled with our revolutionary modular system, no construction, means no downtime for your business or community, so you can rebound and flourish. Expand your business or community outdoors with safety, style and ease with MODSTREET... rebuilding America's downtowns.