Patio season kicks off for some Waterloo Region restaurants

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Restaurants getting an early start on patio season

Is it patio season yet?

After weeks of wicked winter weather, the sun is finally out and March is off to a milder start in Waterloo Region.

It’s prompting some local restaurants to get an early jump on patio season.

The Charcoal Group of Restaurants has a handful of spots where local patios are now open.

One of them is The Bauer Kitchen, where CTV News caught up with some people enjoying the patio on Tuesday.

“After all that snow I honestly thought it was never-ending. So, it feels good to be out here. The sun is shining and I’ve got the blanket to make me warm so I feel great,” said Natalie Noordam.

The Bauer Kitchen has opened its patio for the season and wants to take advantage of this warmer stretch.

“We don’t really believe that patio season is just July, August, September,” said Megan Stover, vice president at the Charcoal Group. “For us, it’s any time of year that guests would like to sit on the patio.”

Stover says she is happy to see people wanting to enjoy patios already.

“As soon as Christmas season wraps up, we start planning for patio readiness,” said Stover.

That planning seems to be paying off for people like Jennifer Turnblom, who was enjoying Tuesday’s sunshine.

“I love the Bauer heaters because if it’s a little chilly, we have a little bit of wind toady, you can get that heat. Then, if it’s too sunny, you have the umbrellas too,” said Turnblom.

There are also blankets available for customers to help keep them warm.

It’s a similar situation down the street at Solé, with their terrace now open too. But, as the sun starts to set and as the evening goes on, the tough part for this time of year is actually keeping people on the patio.

So while it may be early and a little brisk, staff are excited to kick off patio season since it flies by so quickly.

“From our perspective, it’s patio season. If a guest wants to sit outside, we are ready. Not just at Bauer but also at Wild Craft and Beertown Waterloo,” said Stover. “So, all of those patios are heated as well. Essentially if you want to sit outside, then we’re happy to serve you out here.”

Dog owners can also find comfort in knowing they don’t have to leave their furry friends at home while enjoying the sun. All of Charcoal Group’s patios are dog friendly.