17 Mar 3 Actions To Take Now To Get Your Restaurant Through a Pandemic
In uncertain times, it’s good to have a friend in the business. That’s why our team of industry veterans are putting together this series of tips, resources, and advice from around the restaurant world. It’s Cheetah’s mission to help you make it through the current COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Follow along as we try to keep up with ongoing developments
Ever since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic last week, restaurants all over the country have been dramatically affected. In San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area, restaurants, bars, clubs and venues have seen their dining and catering plummet by as much as 70 percent.
The situation requires all restaurant owners to drastically reassess their business tactics and brace for the worst. Those that are too slow to adapt will lose what little business they have left while they try to wait out the storm. The best thing to do right now is understand that the rules have changed, but the game is not over and that the only way to save your restaurant is by taking action now.
In this article and in the coming days, we will provide you with advice, tips and actionable insights that will help you weather the COVID-19 outbreak and continue to serve comforting meals to anxious customers.
1: Launch a New Restaurant Business Model – Yesterday
Take stock of how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting your business and adapt accordingly. Before all, talk to your staff. Explain that this is a crisis but that you will get through it as a team. Next, set up a takeout and delivery service system, simplify the menu and repurpose waitstaff to answer phones, take orders and get takeout to drive-up customers.
2: There’s No Such Thing as Overkill When It Comes to Cleanliness
Take extra precautionary steps to ensure the health and safety of your staff and customers. This means cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting dishes, utensils, surfaces, and other items that come in contact with food at your restaurant. For more information, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health authorities provide clear guidelines on how to protect both guests and staff from contracting the COVID-19 virus.
3: Stay Strong for Your Community
Now is the time to reach out to your customers to let them know that you’re still here and that you’re going to get through this together. Let them know the restaurant is doing everything to keep them safe and that their well-being is your number one concern.
When considering whether to shut down, remember that your business supports employees, vendors, and local citizens who will need sustenance. It may be one of the hardest things you’ll have to do as a restaurant owner, but at times like these, your community needs you to stay strong and communicate a message of hope.
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