The joyful clinking of glasses, the pleasing warmth of the sun and laugh-filled chatter travelling through the outdoor area - with the easing of COVID restrictions comes the excitement of long, balmy summer days. And while all punters have to do is grab their wallet on their way to a venue, the hospitality industry is facing a much more complicated task in reopening. Finding the right partner to navigate the post-COVID-19 landscape can undoubtedly make the process much smoother.

As hospitality venues swing their doors open to summer crowds, they have to modify their operations to adhere to stringent COVID-19 restrictions and offer spaces that align with state-specific rules and regulations. James Richardson Furniture (JRF), one of Melbourne’s most established furniture businesses with a compelling background in hospitality, has taken significant measures to support the reopening venues as they learn to thrive in the new normal – and help make summer invigorating and safe for both the venue-goers and owners.

JRF’s excellent grasp of the industry’s operations allowed them to put together a dedicated assistance program helping the venues through the transition, and curate the Outdoor Dining Collection – a selection of outdoor furniture perfect for the most sought after alfresco set-ups this season.

“With a strong DNA in the hospitality sector, our team is here to help guide venues as they navigate the new hospitality landscape,’ says Georgia Danos, JRF’s Creative and Brand Director. “As restrictions continue to ease, we are optimistic that this summer of outdoor dining will see the industry get back on track.”

As a long-standing partner to a variety of hospitality businesses, JRF’s offering is uniquely geared towards that particular sector. It enables them to service their clients in a genuine and immersive manner – particularly through the demanding times of the transition. Whether it’s information or assistance around the available grants, a detailed understanding of the latest restrictions or a genuine appreciation of the space and layout – JRF’s dedicated team’s goal is to help the re-adjusting locales configure their new dining arrangements in a flexible and COVID safe way. The Outdoor Dining Collection is a perfect way to achieve it.

Adding to the brand’s already impressive portfolio, this varied, versatile and functional range of outdoor pieces features 34 chairs and 16 tables, offering style, practicality and flexibility. Capturing the essence of the Australian summer, the collection caters for quintessential outdoor set-ups. From an elevated afternoon at a seafood restaurant, the comforting serenity of a casual brunch to the energised ambience of a contemporary cocktail bar – the bespoke design and ornate patterns of the Outdoor Dining Collection can turn any venue into this summer’s hot spot, be it a traditional establishment or a modern hole in the wall. With short lead times ranging from two to six weeks, the transformation can be carried out at exceptionally short notice – and within a very short time frame.

Combining great design, authentic craftsmanship, vast industry experience and readiness to help venues get back on their feet, JRF is committed to supporting their partners both when it comes to assisting with complicated transition processes and configuration of a contemporary alfresco set-up. Going beyond the sphere of a standard furniture business, JRF can help navigate the process of reopening the hospitality industry – and make reemerging venues the places to be this summer.