Shak’s Mediterranean Bistro, Vista, California
Shak’s Mediterranean Bistro in Vista, CA, is known for its food and its patio. The patio had one problem. Seasonal changes and sudden breezes sometimes made it uncomfortable, and tables outside sat empty on days the restaurant could have filled them.
The owners wanted to keep guests outside without closing the patio in. They chose a StopBreeze variable height glass wind screen.
How the wind screen works on this patio
Each StopBreeze unit has a fixed lower glass panel and an upper panel that slides up. With the glass down, the screen stands about 43 inches tall and reads as a glass railing. With the glass up, it reaches about 72 inches, which blocks the wind for seated diners.
Staff raise the panels by hand when the wind picks up and lower them when it settles. There is no motor and no wiring. The screen also takes the edge off cool evenings and light rain, and the clear glass keeps the open feel guests come for.
What changed for the restaurant
The patio now works on more days of the year. Guests who would have asked to move inside can stay out, and the restaurant can seat the patio in seasons when it used to sit empty.
The video and photos on this page show the screens raised and lowered on the patio. If you are in Vista, stop by Shak’s Mediterranean Bistro and try a table outside.
Retractable Glass Railings for Restaurant Patios
Restaurants choose retractable glass railings for the reason Shak’s did. With the glass up, the screen is a retractable wind barrier for diners. With it down, it is an ordinary-looking railing and the patio feels open again.
That makes it a clear retractable wind break you only use when you need it. See sizes and options for StopBreeze Variable Height Glass Railings, or look at fixed-height glass railing options if your patio never needs to change height.