Outdoor dining boosts business at Raleigh restaurants

"It's a huge boost for business," said Thomas Cook, a manager at Pizza La Stella on Fayetteville Street.

Cook says outdoor dining accounts for about 25 to 30 percent of his business.

"People are walking by, they're seeing people enjoy themselves, they're seeing the food displayed out on the table and it gets them curious about the business itself," he said. "It gets them wanting to come in the door and check out the menu."

There was much debate when the city considered approving the sidewalk ordinance, but in the end, it made good business sense.

"On nights like tonight, they're making good business," said patron Pippa Armes. "I think it's a cultural staple in Raleigh, especially with all the young people moving to the area."

Many diners said the outdoor seating option is part of teh attraction, not just to restaurants, but to downtown Raleigh as well.

"On a day like today, with weather like this, it's great," said Mike Sloane, who works at Paddy O'Beers. "Especially after coming off a cold snap, getting the weather in today, it's definitely been a nice day."

And for Raleigh restaurants and bars, that notion is good for business.

"It's amazing what the patio does for us," Cook said.

Cook said spring and summer are ideal times when many businesses on Fayetteville Street experience a real bump in business.

The Raleigh City Council approved the sidewalk dining ordinance in the Summer of 2016.