Pittsburgh’s Market Square deems the use of infrared heaters

After undergoing construction for more than a year, Pittsburgh’s Market Square is finally being utilized to its full capacity. Many restaurant owners in the European-style piazza are happy that 200 patio seats will be available during the spring and summer, encouraging more customers to eat while enjoying the outdoors. With the drastic weather changes that can sometimes occur in spring, the restaurant managers can attract more business by using infrared heaters instead of propane.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, some restaurant owners are concerned that the city is contradicting its desire to attract more patrons to the square by incorporating tight parking restrictions. Although some restaurants in the square have lost business, Primanti Brothers Restaurant has experienced a 30 percent increase since construction ended in the plaza.

Most outdoor heating options, such as propane heaters, are so expensive that restaurant managers will only use them during peak hours. Infrared heaters provide a targeted warmth at a cost of approximately 14 cents per hour – whereas propane heaters typically cost three dollars per hour.