In the restaurant industry, ambiance is everything. The perfect setting transforms a meal into an unforgettable experience—and in Central Florida’s warm climate, outdoor dining is one of the most coveted experiences you can offer. But it comes with challenges, particularly the constant intrusion of mosquitoes, flies, and other insects that can quickly turn a pleasant evening into a frustrating one for your guests.
For over 21 years, New Horizons has helped Orlando-area restaurants solve this problem with motorized retractable screens that protect outdoor dining spaces without sacrificing the open-air atmosphere guests love.
Transforming Restaurant Outdoor Spaces with Motorized Retractable Screens
Imagine your restaurant’s outdoor patio or terrace—guests enjoying fresh air, warm evening breezes, and a sense of connection with the surrounding environment. It’s the kind of dining experience that earns five-star reviews and builds loyal customers.
But in Florida, that idyllic scene is constantly threatened by uninvited guests. Mosquitoes hovering around tables. Flies landing on plates. Guests swatting instead of savoring. No amount of citronella candles or bug zappers truly solves the problem—and chemical sprays near food service areas create their own issues.
This is where motorized retractable screens become a game-changer for restaurant owners. These commercial-grade systems create an invisible barrier that blocks insects while allowing fresh air to flow freely, preserving the outdoor dining experience your guests came for.
Key Features of Commercial Retractable Screens for Restaurants
Motorized retractable screens designed for restaurant applications come equipped with features specifically tailored to the demands of commercial food service environments:
Complete Insect Control
The screens effectively block flying insects, ensuring a pest-free dining experience from the first course to dessert. Guests can enjoy their meals without interruptions, without the smell of bug spray, and without the distraction of swatting away pests. For restaurant owners, this means fewer complaints, better reviews, and customers who actually want to sit outside.
Uninterrupted Fresh Air Flow
Unlike solid enclosures that trap heat and eliminate the outdoor feel, retractable screens provide a barrier against insects while allowing the free flow of fresh air. Your outdoor space still feels like outdoor dining—just without the bugs. The mesh materials are engineered to maximize airflow while maintaining effective insect protection.
Simple Staff Operation
With wall-mounted controls, handheld remotes, or smartphone integration, your staff can operate screens instantly based on conditions. Screens can be raised during mild, bug-free periods and lowered the moment insects become a problem. This flexibility means you’re always providing the optimal experience for current conditions.
Control options include:
- Wall-mounted switches – Convenient fixed-location controls near service stations
- Handheld remotes – Wireless operation from anywhere on the patio
- Smartphone apps – Control screens remotely, even before arriving at the restaurant
- Timer systems – Automated operation based on time of day
- Multi-screen synchronization – Operate all screens simultaneously or individually
Custom Design Integration
Just like your diverse menu offerings, motorized retractable screens offer extensive customization options. Choose from a variety of frame colors, mesh styles, and housing designs to seamlessly integrate screens into your restaurant’s aesthetic. Whether your design is modern industrial, classic elegance, or casual coastal, we’ll help you select options that complement rather than compromise your carefully crafted ambiance.
Customization options include:
- Multiple frame colors to match existing architecture
- Various mesh densities for different levels of visibility and airflow
- Solar mesh options for sun and heat control on west-facing patios
- Privacy mesh for street-side dining areas
- Surface mount or recessed installation styles
Benefits for Restaurant Owners and Operators
Increased Outdoor Seating Capacity
Outdoor seating that guests actually want to use means more covers per service, especially during peak dining hours. When customers know they can enjoy your patio without being eaten alive by mosquitoes, they’ll specifically request outdoor tables rather than avoiding them.
Extended Outdoor Season
In Central Florida, bug pressure varies throughout the year, but it’s rarely absent entirely. Retractable screens let you maximize outdoor seating during every season, not just the few weeks when insects happen to be minimal. Combined with fans and heaters, your outdoor space becomes truly year-round usable.
Improved Guest Satisfaction
Nothing ruins a dining experience faster than insects. By eliminating this frustration, you’ll see improved satisfaction scores, better online reviews, and increased repeat visits. Guests remember where they had a great outdoor meal—and where they spent the evening swatting mosquitoes.
Reduced Pest Control Costs
While retractable screens require an upfront investment, they can reduce ongoing pest control expenses. You’ll spend less on sprays, traps, zappers, and emergency treatments when you have a physical barrier keeping insects out of your dining area in the first place.
Applications for Different Restaurant Types
Fine Dining Establishments
For upscale restaurants where ambiance is paramount, retractable screens preserve the elegant outdoor atmosphere while ensuring guests never have to deal with insects during a multi-course meal. The screens retract completely when not needed, maintaining unobstructed views and architectural aesthetics.
Casual Dining and Breweries
Patios and beer gardens are central to the casual dining experience. Retractable screens let you offer the relaxed, open-air atmosphere guests expect while keeping the space comfortable enough for extended visits. Many breweries and casual restaurants find that screened patios become their most requested seating areas.
Waterfront and Rooftop Venues
Locations near water or at elevation often face intense insect pressure, especially at dusk. Retractable screens make these premium dining locations actually usable during evening hours when insects are most active—precisely when these views are most spectacular.
Event Venues and Private Dining
For restaurants that host private events, weddings, or corporate functions, retractable screens provide the flexibility to guarantee comfortable outdoor space regardless of conditions. Clients booking outdoor events will appreciate knowing insects won’t disrupt their special occasion.
Real-Life Restaurant Installations
Many Central Florida restaurants have already embraced the benefits of motorized retractable screens, enhancing their outdoor dining spaces without compromising aesthetics or atmosphere. Our portfolio includes installations at restaurants throughout Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, and surrounding communities.
Visit our Commercial Retractable Screens page to see examples of our restaurant installations and discover how different establishments have integrated screens into their unique designs.
Our Restaurant Installation Process
We understand that restaurants operate on tight schedules with narrow margins for disruption. Our installation process is designed to work around your business needs:
Initial Consultation
We’ll visit your location to assess the space, discuss your specific challenges and goals, and take precise measurements. This visit typically happens during off-hours to avoid disrupting service.
Custom Design and Proposal
Based on our assessment, we’ll provide a detailed proposal including screen specifications, control options, color selections, and installation timeline. We’ll work with you to ensure the design integrates seamlessly with your existing architecture and branding.
Flexible Installation Scheduling
Installation is scheduled around your operations. Whether that means early mornings before you open, late nights after closing, or slower weekday periods, we’ll work with your schedule to minimize impact on your business. Most restaurant installations are completed within 1-2 days.
Staff Training
Once installed, we’ll train your management and staff on proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Your team will be confident operating the screens from day one.
Why Central Florida Restaurants Choose New Horizons
For over two decades, New Horizons has been Central Florida’s trusted partner for commercial retractable screen solutions. Restaurant owners throughout the Orlando area choose us because:
- Local expertise – We understand Florida’s unique climate and insect challenges
- Commercial experience – Extensive portfolio of successful restaurant installations
- Quality products – Commercial-grade screens built to withstand heavy daily use
- Professional installation – Factory-trained technicians who respect your business
- Responsive service – Local support when you need maintenance or repairs
- Lifetime Warranty – Exclusive coverage on frame, mesh, motor, and controls
Get Started: Transform Your Restaurant’s Outdoor Space
Ready to create a bug-free outdoor dining experience your guests will love? Contact New Horizons to schedule a consultation at your restaurant. We’ll assess your space, discuss your goals, and provide a customized solution that enhances your outdoor dining while protecting your guests from insects.
Call us today at (407) 562-7800 or request a consultation online. Discover how motorized retractable screens can help you create the ultimate dining ambiance that keeps customers coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial retractable screens cost for restaurants?
Commercial installations vary significantly based on the size of the openings, number of screens needed, and control system complexity. We provide free consultations and detailed proposals so you can understand exactly what’s included before making a decision. Many restaurant owners find the investment pays for itself through increased outdoor seating utilization and improved guest satisfaction.
Will retractable screens block the view from my patio?
Our insect mesh is designed to be virtually invisible once your eyes adjust. Guests will see through the screens clearly while insects are blocked. Solar and privacy mesh options do reduce visibility intentionally for sun control or screening from street views.
How durable are commercial screens with daily use?
Our commercial-grade screens are engineered for heavy use in restaurant environments. The motors, frames, and mesh materials are rated for thousands of cycles. With proper operation and basic maintenance, these systems provide years of reliable service. Our Lifetime Warranty covers the frame, mesh, motor, and controls.
Can screens be installed on existing restaurants or only new construction?
Both! Surface-mount installations work excellently on existing structures, while recessed installations are ideal for new construction or major renovations. During our consultation, we’ll recommend the best approach for your specific situation.
What happens if a screen is damaged?
Individual mesh panels can be replaced without replacing the entire system. Our local service team can typically respond quickly to repair needs, minimizing downtime for your outdoor seating area.
Do you service restaurants outside of Orlando?
Yes, New Horizons serves restaurants throughout Central Florida including Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, and surrounding communities. Contact us to confirm service availability in your area.
