Outdoor dining pods

An Outdoor dining pod

Outdoor dining pods are dedicated partially opened clear outdoor structures primarily designed to host restaurant and bar dinners outside and keep them protected from the elements.

These structures are also known as bubble tents, dining pods, domes, and igloos. Outdoor dining pods gained popularity during the Covid 19 pandemic due to restrictions posed on restaurants and bars by governmental and health authorities. Prior to the pandemic, outdoor dining pods were rarely used as the main dining area for bars and restaurants.

Design

Outdoor dining pods differ in size and shapes. The most widely used variants of dining pods are semispherical hence the name. Semispherical dining pods are often called yurts or igloos due to their resemblance. These dining pods offer better protection from the elements at the expense of poorer air circulation. Some outdoor dining pods can be made from specially adjusted portable greenhouses.

More conventional designs include rectangular or square transparent dining rooms. Rectangular dining rooms derived from less enclosed tents.

Materials

Outdoor dining pods can be made of a wide range of materials. The frame of dining pods and bubbles are usually made of metal or durable plastic. For windows, most manufacturers use clear plastic, glass or acrylic.

Semispherical outdoor dining pods rely on either a hexagonal or radial metal frames to support the structure.

More sturdy and resilient wooden or metal support structures can be used for dining pods that are not meant to be relocated often.

Greenhouse dining pods are constructed from metal or wooden support frames and use sheets of clear plastic or glass. Unlike more specialised and stylised dining pods they are in essence converted greenhouses.

In most cases, dining domes come without heating, but restaurant owners may choose to install heaters and fans.

Use of Outdoor dining pods during Covid 19

The use of outdoor dining pods and installations saw a massive spike in popularity during the Covid 19 pandemic. Restaurants and other food and drink serving establishments opted to install outdoor pods as an alternative to indoor dining strictly limited due to health safety concerns.

The use of outdoor dining pods spiked and was recognised by media and news outlets early summer 2020. Business owners showed a high degree of creativity while using dining pods and outdoor dining rooms during Covid-19 pandemic. Due to high flexibility and ease of use these outdoor structures are easy to customise for dinner’s comfort (McDP) and can be sanitised between guests.

Controversies regarding outdoor dining pods and health safety

Despite being widely used by restaurants and bars seeking new ways to accommodate customers during the pandemic, outdoor dining pods have been criticized as unsafe to use (TWP). Several news outlets and publications (Cleveland, Business Insider, SeattleTimes) pointed out the lack of efficient air ventilation for dinners.

Healthcare specialists voiced concerns over the risks level of pod dining, though people in these structures are distanced from other diners they are exposed to each other inside the dining pods (TWP). In some cases, state authorities restricted the use of individual dining structures and pods (Herald).