The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a health crisis that has been an unprecedented obstacle for people who aspire to start a small company and experienced business owners. Social and economic conditions caused by COVID-19 have been uniquely challenging for people who plan to enter or are already in the foodservice and restaurant industry. For many restaurants across the United States, business may be slow because fewer people go out to eat, as they’re afraid they may contract the virus if they go out in public.
Furthermore, many restaurants have been relying on drive-thrus or carryout and delivery services because lockdown orders and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations forced them to close off their dining rooms from customers indefinitely.
Some restaurants continue to enjoy steady business and success during the pandemic by adapting their operations and methods of servicing their patrons to the new normal created by the virus. Listed below are three ways for business owners to keep their restaurants afloat and save it from failing amid COVID-19.
Get the Best Restaurant Equipment
It’s nearly impossible to run a restaurant or foodservice business when you lack adequate equipment. For this reason, restaurant equipment is a significant startup cost. Essentials include furniture, flatware, barware, and glassware. Large purchases such as ovens, fryers, grills, coolers, walk-in freezers, refrigerators, and other appliances are critical for commercial cooking and proper food storage.
When choosing refrigeration products, purchase energy-efficient equipment from a reputable brand, such as True Manufacturing Company, a commercial refrigeration industry leader. True refrigerators and other commercial refrigeration products can suit any restaurant, catering company, food truck, or foodservice business.
Furthermore, janitorial supplies, disposables, and sanitizing and cleaning equipment are necessary purchases, as restaurateurs must do their best to limit and stop the spread of the coronavirus among their staff and patrons.
Implement Technology Into Business Operations
Technological equipment is of equal importance as physical equipment, especially at a time when online orders may be surging. One way to avoid hard times and failures during this pandemic is to have a website and an online delivery system that’s easy for your customers to navigate. This way, you can efficiently serve patrons who may engage in curbside pickup options, as well as your customers who want your food but might be nervous or unable to leave their homes.
Business owners can harness technological options that are convenient for customers and benefit the productivity of their staff members. Restaurateurs can use technology to manage OKRs, for instance. OKRs—objectives and key results—are a goal-setting framework that enables restaurateurs to define and track objectives and outcomes for a specified period. Using OKRs, you can measure your team’s performance at achieving set goals, and determine which strategies are useful and which ones need changing. Visiting workboard.com, for instance, you can discover OKR software offered by Workboard and get an idea of how effective OKR solutions can be for your business.
Reach Your Customers and Attract New Ones Through the Internet
Considering how high the use of digital devices and the Internet is, it’s crucial to enhance your brand visibility with an online presence. Prioritize customer engagement and post content tailored to your target audience that they’ll find relatable, exciting, and useful.
Investing in new operational strategies and implementing the tactics mentioned above can help your restaurant or foodservice business weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, enhance long-term operations, and increase profits and success. Through hard work, adherence to CDC guidelines, and technology implementation, restaurateurs can show their customers and community members that running a successful restaurant amid this pandemic is possible.
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