COVID-19 has taken us all for quite a ride. It’s no secret that things are changing and new rules and regulations have been put in place nationwide. As restaurants begin to reopen and adapt to new protocols and changes, there are a few ways restaurants can come out of the pandemic stronger than ever.
Focus on Restaurant Improvement
COVID-19 has given restaurants an opportunity to reset. Make any adjustments now and improve. For the restaurants that are fighting to remain open or even thriving due to curbside services, they have a unique opportunity to reevaluate their SOP’s and improve tremendously. There has never been a more opportune time than now to realign their structures and fix mistakes. From the menu to the processes to the packaging to the partnerships, now is the time to rebuild and do it right. Reassess your business and if you need to refocus to improve your restaurant, the time is now.
Time to Improve Your Restaurant Design
With change typically comes redesigning processes and curb appeal. A successful restaurant has three things: food, atmosphere and service. The restaurant industry now has new sanitary guidelines which has in turn allowed restaurants to restructure their designs and layouts. Now is the time for improving your FOH and BOH.
Train Your Restaurant Team
Once restaurants have reset and implemented new designs to align with the recommendations of the CDC and states, the next step is to realign and get the team members adjusted to the new systems and rules. This means implementing new training approaches and familiarizing your team with new policies and procedures. Now is the time to adjust accordingly and rebuild your restaurant and center it around the future and not the past.
Restaurants can come out of the pandemic stronger than ever. Though, doing so will mean remaining dedicated and positive. The pandemic has affected operations. However, take this time to pivot and work your plan.
The Restaurant Industry Remains Positive
The restaurant industry is in uncharted waters, on a boat designed to float through the storm. Regardless of how long COVID-19 lasts, the industry is resilient. Continue to move forward. The new normal will be an adjustment. Restaurants with low cash reserves have permanently shut down and many others are on the brink of disaster. Hold strong.
Fortunately, we do see states reopening in phases, showing a silver lining. The dining experience will always be wanted. Restaurants that haven’t taken the initiative to change their ways and look toward the future, risk failing. Restaurants that have taken the time to focus on improvements, operations, and adjust their ways of providing to their customers will come out of this pandemic stronger than ever before.
