Cafe umbrellas will not only make your cafe look more chic and inviting, it will also generate more space for your customers. On a busy warm day, this can be the difference between an empty or fully utilized place to beach visitors to sit and enjoy a meal or drink. If deciding to use these beach shelters for your business, there are a number of features which you should look out for. The most important factor is the design of the shade and sails. This must match the overall look of your shop. With many manufacturers offering custom printing of the design, it is a good opportunity to either add more endorsements or simply the name of your cafe so it is more visible to potential customers passing by.
Next most important factor is the safety of the umbrellas. If you are covering a large section of the patio, then ensure that the frame of the sails is strong enough to hold up against the wind. This is even more critical near the beach, and winds can reach up to higher speeds in the evening. The general rule of thumb is to get a model with at least 3 years manufacturers warranty. This reflects the overall build quality of the structure.
The lifting device used to bring the sails to an open position is the next most important thing. For heavier devices, and larger spans, a pulley is normally the better choice. This is recommended for commercial applications, where as the basic winch design is reserved for more private models of these shades. Remember that your customers may have kids running around, so always tie up the pulleys or lock the winches when not in use, as you may be liable for any injury that is caused by the umbrellas.
The foundation for the main pole fixing the shade to the ground can also be a problem for your cafe. This could be because it is a rented premise, and there is no access to anchor the fixtures into the ground. If this is the case, then search for types which have a extra heavy base plate, which can be attached to the tables. If in doubt, you may need to hire professional help to fix down the bolts for you. Remember that with the poles, a tilting feature is less likely to be suitable for commercial purposes. Some optional features include the ability to clip the frame of the shelters to the frame on the adjacent table. This is advisable since it can provide extra protection from the rain and increase the area covered.
At the end of the day, cafe umbrellas must provide good protection from the sun. Depending on what percentage of cover you are after, most of them are built with 99% UV factor of safety. Check that they will not fade or rip easily when moved around. You must not assume that they will not be mishandled and knocked around by your cafe staff.