3 Tips to COVID Survival for Restaurant Owners
COVID-19 is still raging. Many hoped that the summer would offer some relief; instead, the situation around the U.S. has grown increasingly dire. States and economies reopened, but, as cases have continued to climb, businesses that normally thrive during the summer holiday months are still reeling from ongoing pandemic impacts.
Restaurants that made it through lockdowns are struggling with how to survive amid strict guidelines and a weary public and workforce. Surviving this time requires a creative approach and a willingness to take drastic measures when necessary. Here are three tips to making it through COVID-19.
1. Reassure Your Customers
Every state is in some stage of reopening, though most continue to have strict guidelines for businesses, particularly those in the service industry. Life is definitely not back to normal. However, even with existing limitations, people are seeking avenues that are as close to normal as possible, including eating at their favorite restaurants.
Gaining customer trust during these times is imperative if you want to ensure their continued business. Some steps you can take to show your customers you take their health and safety seriously are:
- Install touchless operations such as doors, bathroom sinks and payment methods.
- Keep these and other equipment serviced with commercial restaurant service Santa Rosa to prevent ailures.
- Sanitize surfaces regularly throughout the day.
- Implement and enforce face-covering requirements.
- Strictly adhere to CDC guidelines for social distancing and seating arrangements.
2. Adapt Your Business Model
For the foreseeable future, the restaurant business model is not going to be what it once was. No longer can you count on filling the tables as the means to success. It is unlikely dine-in capacity will return to pre-COVID standards for quite some time. Survival requires adapting to the current environment, which has shifted dramatically in a short time.
It is imperative to shift your focus to providing stellar takeout and delivery services. Harness technology to manage online or app ordering, which is better able to handle higher volumes than having employees man the phones. Offer the option for curbside pickup and designate parking spots specifically for these customers. If you do not have the means to offer in-house delivery services, partner with a third-party company.
3. Trim the Fat
Take a good, hard look at your restaurant's operations to see where you can cut away excess expenses. Change your menu to reflect the change in your business structure, and then alter your inventory to mirror your menu and services. If you are able to offer dine-in services, you can provide a separate menu, but make sure that it is scaled to a level that makes economic sense.
You want to structure your workforce in a sensible manner as well. Likewise, it is important that restaurant owners and managers understand the affects the pandemic has on employees at work and at home. Communication and flexibility are key. Take steps to let workers know that you value their hard work and dedication, especially during this time, and that you recognize the risks they are taking and are doing your part to ensure their safety.
Customer Restaurant Service Santa Rosa
CASCO is here to help your business get through these challenging times. To find out more about the services we offer Northern California restaurant establishments, please contact us using our online form or at (707) 544-5200.