In the competitive world of hospitality, crafting memorable customer experiences is essential for building loyalty and driving long-term success. One of the most powerful but often overlooked tools in achieving this goal is the humble parasol. Parasols do far more than simply provide shade; they create an inviting environment, help manage the effects of unpredictable weather, and encourage guests to relax, enjoy, and ultimately return. In this blog, we’ll explore how investing in high-quality commercial outdoor umbrellas can transform your…

In the realm of hospitality, where first impressions and customer satisfaction are paramount, investing in top-quality parasols is a strategic decision that yields numerous benefits over time. While cheaper options may be tempting in a world filled with budget-friendly choices, it’s essential to consider the long-term advantages of opting for higher-quality parasols. Durability Symo parasols are constructed with superior materials and with craftsmanship, making them more durable and resistant to wear and tear. This longevity saves money in the long…

As the northern hemisphere turn its attention to winter, many in the hospitality industry face a seasonal dip in revenue, particularly when it comes to outdoor spaces. However, winterizing an outdoor terrace can transform it into a cozy retreat that caters to guests’ needs throughout the colder months. One effective way to achieve this is by strategically utilizing parasols. In this blog, we explore how to best incorporate parasols into your outdoor terraces to maximize winter revenue. The value of…

We have always known that gas bottles are dangerous. Unfortunately, they sometimes lead to serious or even fatal accidents. This became apparent once again last spring when a bottle exploded with tremendous force in Deerlijk, Belgium, resulting in one death and one serious injury. But no matter how risky they are, gas bottles are indispensable in the hospitality industry. So we would like to give you some tips. To minimize the risks as far as possible. Let’s start with the…

On Friday 9 December 2022, we celebrated our 90th anniversary. We invited not only current but also all former employees and the vast majority came to celebrate with us. Time to look back at Symo’s long history. Leopold Van Sieleghem, born in 1833, was already skimming the markets with a wheelbarrow as an umbrella vendor. In 1932, son Theo and his sister Rachel started a company producing umbrellas in Oostkamp. Three years later, they moved their activity to Bruges. During…

Restrictions, rules. It’s that time again. We are now talking about a semi-lockdown in Belgium. Fortunately, you’ve been through this before. You now know that this painful situation is temporary. As soon as the hospitals are under less pressure you will be able to work normally again. How do you handle this? We learned this from the previous lockdowns: Take Action If you don’t throw in the towel, you’ll beat this period faster: stay in touch with your customers, spoil…

At last! After long months of waiting, the time has come: you can finally open your business again. Your customers will soon be back. You can enjoy that wonderful bustle in your business again. After the first lockdown: busy, busy, busy You may have noticed it in June when the catering industry was allowed to open again: people flocked to the catering terraces to socialize, dine and glow in the sun. Now it will be like that again. Everyone longs…

The hospitality industry has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, 92% of the businesses with an outdoor terrace expect to survive the crisis. Striking figures that we obtained from our market research among businesses in Belgium and France. What’s in this article? Market research questions how the catering industry experiences COVID-19 Looking to the future with hope Businesses with outdoor terraces do noticeably better First call to government: help the hospitality industry, allow more terraces Hospitality industry still…