Elevating outdoor dining to a comfortable, year-round experience starts with thoughtful design, and a custom louvered pergola is the perfect solution. At Manitou Bar & Kitchen in White Bear Lake, MN, this innovative feature transforms the patio into a shaded retreat where guests can enjoy a meal, even on the hottest days. With seamless integration and smart technology, it’s easy to see how this pergola redefines what an outdoor dining space can be.
Don’t miss out on the video recap below to see the pergola in action!
The Challenge: Unbearable Summer Heat
Manitou Bar & Kitchen in White Bear Lake, MN, offers a vibrant dining experience, but its outdoor patio had a major issue: the Minnesota summer heat. Co-owner Dan M. shared that the heat made dining outdoors almost unbearable for guests, limiting the patio’s potential as a desirable place to eat. Therefore, Dan envisioned a patio that could provide protection from the elements while enhancing guest comfort and extending the outdoor dining season.

The Solution: A Custom Louvered Pergola
When we started working with Dan, we knew the key to transforming this space was creating a dynamic, climate-controlled environment. After discussing his vision and preferences for the design, our team installed a custom R-BLADE louvered pergola, featuring a gray-bronze frame and white louvers for a sleek, modern look. This solution wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was built to address the patio’s most pressing issues.
Key Features of the Pergola Installation:
- Motorized Louvers: The remote-controlled louvers provide full control over sun and rain protection. With the touch of a button, the patio can transform from an open-air experience to a fully protected space. When the rain is a surprise, weather sensors spring into action to automatically close the louvers!
- Retractable Screens: Custom retractable screens with Manitou Bar & Kitchen’s logo were seamlessly integrated into the pergola design. These screens increase the restaurant’s visibility from the street while enclosing the dining area to provide shade and block wind. Operable via remote or smartphone, the screens give staff and guests ultimate flexibility.
- Integrated Fans and Lighting: The addition of fans to the pergola boosts airflow, keeping guests cool on days when the temps are high. Integrated lighting extends the usability of the space into the evening, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
The Results: A Comfortable and Inviting Patio
Dan couldn’t be more thrilled with the transformation. The new pergola has not only increased guest comfort but also expanded the patio’s usability regardless of the weather.

“It was hot to sit out here. Now, it feels good because the sun isn’t cooking you…you can turn the fans on, put the blinds down, shut the louvers if you need. If rain is threatening, we can close the louvers. People feel more comfortable sitting under the closed section because they won’t get wet if it does start to drizzle.” – Restaurant Owner, Dan M.
Why It Works
The custom R-BLADE pergola, manufactured by Azenco Outdoor, delivered on all fronts:
- Enhanced Comfort: Guests can now enjoy the patio during hot summer days.
- Improved Visibility: The branded screens make the patio stand out and attract more attention to the restaurant.
- All-Weather Usability: Rain or shine, the patio remains a welcoming space for guests.
Conclusion: A Game-Changing Outdoor Experience
Thanks to Innov8 Outdoors, Manitou Bar & Kitchen’s patio is no longer just an outdoor dining space—it’s a destination. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a drizzly evening, guests can enjoy their meals in comfort and style.
Does your patio need a boost? Let’s create something exceptional for your home or business. Visit www.innov8outdoors.com to see more of our work, learn about our team, and look at all of the innovative outdoor solutions we provide.