02/18/2026
The success equation for future California restaurants is not - “Bigger is Better.”
It's a smarter use of the space that you already have.
A new law called AB 592 just changed the game.
What started as emergency outdoor dining flexibility has now evolved into one of the most restaurant-friendly pieces of legislation California has passed in years.
Here’s what that really means:
• Outdoor dining is now a recognized, permanent extension of your restaurant
• Outdoor alcohol service is no longer tied to a 2026 expiration
• Parking requirements for outdoor seating are reduced or waived in many jurisdictions
• Approvals are often faster and more predictable
This isn’t about adding a few patio tables.
It’s about rethinking how sidewalks, courtyards, rooftops, parking edges, and open-air kitchens can drive revenue, increase dwell time, and strengthen brand identity.
For decades, parking dictated restaurant form.
AB 592 allows experience to dictate form instead.
The smartest operators aren’t asking, “Can we do outdoor dining?”
They’re asking, “How do we design it to increase margins and create something unforgettable?”
If you own (or are planning) a restaurant in California, now is the time to revisit your site with fresh eyes.
Read the full breakdown in our latest blog--https://sfjones.com/on-the-boards/
Or, reach out if you’d like to explore what’s possible for your space.
