Top 5 Mistakes When Preparing Your Terrace for Summer

As temperatures rise, terraces become the heart of bars, cafés and restaurants. But many businesses make mistakes that cost them clients, efficiency and profits during the high season. At MBH - Maquinaria Bar Hostelería, we reveal the 5 most common errors and how to avoid them to make the most of this opportunity.

1. Not anticipating the rise in demand

Many wait until it’s hot to act, but in summer every day counts. Without enough refrigeration equipment (bottle coolers, display fridges, freezers…) or outdoor seating, you risk losing sales and frustrating customers.

MBH Tip: Plan ahead in May. Reinforce your setup with undercounter coolers, industrial ice makers, and refrigerated display units for desserts and tapas. Ask us about fast-delivery stock.

2. Choosing uncomfortable or impractical furniture

Sometimes design or price is prioritized over customer experience. Wobbly tables, chairs without backs or cushions, or poor shade solutions make customers leave before ordering.

MBH Advice: Invest in comfortable furniture, weather-resistant, easy-to-clean furniture. For small spaces, use folding or stackable tables to optimize room.

3. No cold point or exterior service bar

If waiters must go in and out constantly to serve, efficiency drops. And if cold drinks aren't nearby, customers may leave for the competition.

MBH Solution: Add an outdoor bottle cooler, a neutral or refrigerated display for tapas, or a mobile support bar if you don’t have an exterior counter. We have equipment designed for terrace use.

4. Neglecting the ambiance: shade, lighting and aesthetics

A terrace without shade or poor lighting may stay empty even in August. The atmosphere is key to making clients feel comfortable and come back.

MBH Advice:

• Add awnings, parasols or pergolas.
• Use warm, decorative LED lighting.
• Keep it clean and stylish with plants, chalkboards, or menu displays.

5. Not training staff for outdoor service

Setting up a terrace is more than moving tables. Service changes: more distance, more orders, more heat. Untrained staff = slower service.

MBH Recommendation: Offer a short training session before summer: tray handling, efficient routing, order management and use of exterior bars. Smooth service makes a difference.

Conclusion

Avoiding these mistakes will help you shine during high season. At MBH, we offer tailored equipment solutions for summer: refrigeration, display units, mobile bars and more.

Want free advice? Contact us and we’ll help you choose the best equipment for your terrace.