Top Food Service Uniforms for Outdoor Venues
Dining al fresco is a summertime must – and let’s face it, in colder climates, outdoor seating is definitely extended as far into fall as possible. With curbside and delivery options continuing to evolve and expand within the industry, food service workers need a flexible working wardrobe. Take a peek at Lands' End for versatile, durable, and on-trend uniform styles.
Beat the Heat
When the summer sun makes an appearance, it’s time for short sleeves. Custom uniform T-shirts for work are an easy-peasy option for your whole restaurant crew. Screenprint your business logo on the front or back so that customers can easily identify staff and to further establish brand recognition. Adding personalization like names or nicknames is a fun way to make employees feel welcome and included. Bonus: Printed tees ordered in bulk can double as retail merchandise!
Polo shirts add a nice sporty vibe to a summer uniform. Logo polo shirts are perfect for sports bars and golf course clubhouses; embroider logos or names on the chest for brand consistency. Polo shirts can be layered over long-sleeve tees or thermals on colder days, making the look versatile for all seasons.
For casual establishments, tank tops are another great seasonal uniform choice. Lakeside brewpubs, beachside bars, or downtown food trucks are well suited to company-branded tanks. If the weather changes suddenly, sleeveless shirts can be easily layered under a sweatshirt or cardigan.
Let’s. Talk. Shorts. Do you manage an upscale fine dining café? Well, chances are denim Daisy Dukes aren’t a part of your typical summer uniform. But what about streamlined Chino Bermuda shorts? Custom uniform work shorts are professional yet comfortable, with pockets for convenient storage throughout a shift of waiting tables. Consider a theme when it comes to shorts to keep your staff uniforms looking consistent, whether all denim, all khaki, a specific color, a specific length, etc.
Skirts and dresses can be fun at work, and their flowing nature allows for a full range of motion and quick steps. Stick to knee-length options in simple styles and fabrics; t-shirt and sleeveless dresses, cotton, and jersey knits deliver breathability and are durable enough to withstand a hectic morning of slinging iced coffees and breakfast pastries. Pair casual skirts with logo-printed tees and tanks for simple company branding.
Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the closed-toed shoes rule – it’s always safety first in food service! But you can look for sneakers that are better suited to warm temps. Low-top silhouettes with breathable mesh construction will help keep your feet cool as the dinner rush accelerates. Sweat-absorbing socks are also a game-changer.
Flexible for Fall
Ah, fall – that time of year where you might experience a 50-degree temperature shift on the same day. Think about uniform versatility to keep a food service crew prepared for outdoor work as the seasons change. Equip all staff with short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts, a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt, and long pants and shorts options.
For workers who spend their shift moving between indoor and outdoor spaces, classic cotton long-sleeved tees provide a little extra coverage without being bulky or intrusive. Consider long-sleeved styles for curbside attendants, delivery drivers, and wait staff. For someone stationed entirely outdoors, like a hostess or bartender, a heavier embroidered cardigan might be more appropriate. Button-up shirts in linen, chambray, or flannel can be worn over printed T-shirts and tanks – embroider logos and names for that company consistency!
Vests have always been the best of two worlds, a garment that leaves your arms free to move while keeping your core warm. Custom uniform work vests offer that same flexibility to outdoor crewmembers. Check out fleece and “puffy” options that can be personalized to match current company themes.
Custom uniform work jackets come in handy in late fall or on rainy days (provided you have customers who are determined enough to brave a misty day!) Working a fall festival? Wear uniform work jackets to any company-sponsored events for easy advertising efforts. Jackets also make great employee gifts and customer giveaways.
Organization for Any Season
No matter the weather, food service workers who work in outdoor venues need to stay organized. Server aprons are a must when it comes to convenient storage. Whether you choose a full-body style or a waist-only style, aprons deliver plenty of pocket space for order pads, pens, straws, small menus or specials, cheat sheets, change, etc.
Stay Adaptable
Outdoor food service work introduces a new element into the mix: The weather. And Mother Nature takes no advice or requests from anybody! By providing your staff with various versatile pieces to mix and match, they’ll be able to roll with the seasonal punches and remain focused on the job at hand.