Despite colder weather coming to Michigan, most of Detroit’s restaurant goers still plan to dine on patios.
Many restaurants and customers have relied on outdoor seating, when available, during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, where officials have said the virus is less likely to spread because of better airflow.
Although the impending winter months typically mean transitioning indoors, many Detroit diners are on board with staying outside this year.
Eater Detroit surveyed residents in early October — including on current dining habits and how those habits might change with the upcoming change of seasons — and 64% of them said they would still prefer using patios rather than eating indoors or switching to a carryout-only setup.
Results also showed that about 27% currently rely on takeout and nearly half — 48% — only eat at restaurants with outdoor seating available, according to Eater Detroit.
Detroit isn’t alone in trying to figure out how to adapt to colder weather while remaining compliant with COVID-19 guidelines.
Hundreds of Chicago residents, for example, recently brainstormed and submitted innovative ideas to help the restaurant industry stay afloat during the winter months.
Officials announced the three winning ideas of the Chicago Winter Dining Challenge on October 8.
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