Reopening Restaurants face most challenges

RESTAURANTS CAN USE INNOVATION TO BE SUCCESSFUL

MAY ACTUALLY FIND SOME POSITIVES IN THIS SITUATION

It looks the opening of the economy is underway. It will take some time for many to adjust to the guidelines and still engage in business. We have seen restaurants offer order and pick-up. We have seen some stores offer curbside pick-up and operating from the door or window. Many food retailers will gather your order and place it in your trunk. 

Manufacturing plants and other retailers should be able adjust to distancing and guidelines and carry on their business. The lone exception is the Restaurant business, which definitely will be facing the most challenges. With some innovation it can be made possible, and may even be able to find some positive results.

1. It would be best to go to reservation only, this way you will not have waiting lines, which will be a big negative for business and the customers. Consider using online reservations.  Some say they can only seat 25 or 30% of their capacity, but the better method would be 6' distancing. If they have booths, using every other booth would work. Also use screens or dividers to give each table a little more privacy. This will make customers feel much more comfortable.

2. Use a abbreviated menu, only the most sought after items. Use daily printed out single use menus. Salad bars are out for now.

3. Enhanced cleaning of all tables and chairs after each use.

4. Manage traffic, so that people are not walking directly by tables, this could again be done with the use of dividers.

5. Enhance service, with a steady predictable traffic flow, it is an opportunity to not be slammed with all customers coming  within a short time spam.

6. Adjust hours, eliminate sit down breakfast, but consider opening a drive through for coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches. Possibly serve dinner for a longer time maybe 4 to 10. This will allow time for more customers. There are some who will take a late reservation, it actually may be fun.

Talking to the younger set, they will go to these restaurants as soon as it is available. It will likely take longer for the elderly and compromised to return. But from what I see many of the younger customers buy more and spend more. A possible plus for the restaurateur.

In the long run, excellent service and good food served promptly will be more important than ever. It will be imperative to be efficient and turn as many tables as possible. If your customers have a positive experience, they will tell their friends, the best advertisement anyone can have.

This is only some of the possibilities, I am sure that restaurant people are innovative enough to find many more solutions to make their business again profitable and a positive experience for everyone.