While the pandemic may be over, the truth remains that open-air environments promote safer interactions. This fact has led many restaurant owners and managers to embrace al fresco service. Restaurants, cafes, and other dining establishments have invested in weather-resistant tables and chairs for outdoor use, and some have even made their new outdoor dining spaces permanent.

Making these areas as cozy as their indoor counterpart requires a big shift, so there’s a lot for restaurant owners and managers to consider. Do you go with an outdoor fireplace and chandeliers, or keep it simple with an overhang, additional chair cushions, and yes, even a different kind of B.Y.O.B. (bring your own blanket)? Along with making sure your outdoor dining space is set up to handle diners safely and efficiently, keeping the outdoor space habitable and accessories secure are also top concerns.

Awnings to keep diners dry in downpours or during flurries have been welcome additions to eating al fresco. Heat lamp can keep diners and their plates warm despite chilly temperatures in some parts of the U.S. But, what about protection for outdoor dining furniture and accessories?

According to Vector Security, smart locks on gates, video surveillance cameras with proper signage, and bringing items such as a beloved ficus and newly purchased outdoor furniture inside at the end of the night are key. Security becomes trickier with semi-permanent and permanent structures like outdoor bars that can’t be brought inside. So what’s a restaurant owner or manager to do?

While surveillance cameras can virtually keep an eye on your large outdoor structures in case of theft, they can’t provide active protection. You can easily secure your restaurant’s outdoor spaces with security grilles and doors. These products reduce worry and risk about newly built structures and the stock behind the bar, while also giving patrons a glimpse of your outdoor dining amenities. Instead of shrouding your outdoor area behind bulky tarps or completely concealing it, you can offer an enticing peek at what your eatery has to offer with security grilles and doors.

Explore restaurant security grilles and doors from Cornell

Cornell offers a range of high-quality security grilles and doors for outdoor bars and restaurants. 

SteelWeave™ mesh security grilles

Our SteelWeave mesh security grilles protect your outdoor dining space while enhancing its visual appeal. These products are manufactured with a stainless steel mesh that transforms a security grille into a rolling work of art.

Just because it’s aesthetically pleasing doesn’t mean it’s not durable. Constructed of 316 stainless steel material, a SteelWeave Grille, and its unique end retention can provide up to 10 or 20 PSF with the Lago and Tigris patterns. With five curtain patterns and an option for custom etching on our Lago pattern, your outdoor dining space can be appealing and still be protected from break-ins and theft.

With SteelWeave, it’s simple to customize your product or retrofit an existing outdoor structure. There are also three stylish designs available depending on how much you’d like passersby to see…or not see. They include:

• Model EAG10C Aesthetic Conceal: This option offers wall-set aluminum guides that create a low-profile look.
• Model EAG10V Aesthetic Reveal: These grilles have visible stainless steel guides and bottom bars for a polished aesthetic.
• Model EAG10S Service: Our service grilles are a practical and cost-effective solution for storage rooms, loading docks, and more.

VertiStack™ Clear doors

VertiStack Clear doors are ideal for bringing the outside in. Our innovative design allows the sections to stack compactly above the opening so minimal headroom is necessary. These doors feature a modern profile with no exposed hinges, cables, or tracks for maximum visual appeal. Customize their appearance further with various glass and finishing options.

Our premium VertiStack Clear doors are also perfect for creating al fresco dining areas in colder weather. Quiet operation won't disrupt dining, and air infiltration resistance keeps patrons comfortable.

Counter shutters

We offer a complete lineup of counter shutters to protect behind-the-counter assets. Options include:

• Insulated models for higher energy efficiency
• Fire-rated styles to prevent smoke and flames from spreading
• Rolling service counter doors that are customizable

Discover the benefits of our restaurant security doors and grilles

Security grilles from Cornell offer many benefits, including:

• Low maintenance: We create our grilles to deliver long-term performance with minimal maintenance needs to save you time and money.
• High customizability: You can choose from options for colors, finishes, and rod design to create a unique look for your business.
• Easy operation: Our solutions provide straightforward use with electric operators and upgrades like the Magic Switch, which cycles the door with a wave of the hand.
• Safety technology: We equip our doors with advanced safety features like automatic reversing mechanisms to promote greater site safety.
• Design support: We offer product guidance and engineering support through our in-house architectural design support team and dealer partners.

Request a free quote

Cornell is a leading expert in commercial overhead doors, counter shutters, and security grilles. We custom-create our solutions for a good fit and extra peace of mind.

Contact us online or find a dealer near you to request a quote.

Cornell is the industry leader for rolling door, security grille and closure product experts since 1828. To inquire how Cornell's long history of innovation and customer service can help you with your next rolling door project, call 833.958.1273.

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