MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With summer here, many local restaurants have opened up their shutters and let some fresh air in. That's right, it's patio season.

Meridian Township has more than 30 restaurants in the area that offer outdoor seating options. The restaurants range from burger joints to your local pub to Carribean inspired cuisine.

Not only do residents get the benefits of outdoor eating but restaurants are able to create a lot more business said John O'Meara, General Manager of Mitchell's Fish Market in East Lansing.

"The great thing about a patio is we get a lot of people walking by that are looking for a patio and so the patio sells itself," said O'Meara.

Restaurants like The Tap Room in Okemos, have added a new twist to the traditional idea of outdoor patio seating.

"The patio helps us quite a bit actually. And we actually decided a few years ago to enclose the patio which has actually helped us even more. We're able to use it year round," said Bill Shreck, General Manager of The Tap Room. "So during the summer if its hot out we have an air conditioning unit out here so we can keep it temperature controlled around that perfect 70-72 degrees. If its a perfect day out we can roll the windows up for that fresh air vibe. Or If it's cold out we can turn on the furnace."

Some restaurants even welcome the family member who is normally not allowed inside, your dog. You can visit Gilbert & Blake's where your furry friend is welcome to rest on the patio.

Places you wouldn't expect to find have outdoor seating options also, like your local grocery store. Foods for Living, on Grand River Avenue has recently installed benches where many residents come to eat lunch regularly.

"I think for a while people have wanted to have some place to eat here because we have lots of people that come in just on their lunch break," said Caroline Crawford, Foods For Living Cashier. "I see them out in the parking lot eating in their car and its so much better for them to be able to sit outside, in the shade and enjoy the air."