Social Distancing: 5 Things Restaurants Need to Do to Thrive in the New Normal

Due to the many changes that have taken place since the Coronavirus pandemic began, it’s expected that the restaurant industry will lose approximately $240 billion by the end of this year.

Simply put, more people are dining at home, and fewer people are wandering around looking for a restaurant to eat at.

Some folks are going out less as a way to protect themselves from the virus. As for others, financial hardship due to the virus is preventing them from being able to support restaurants during this time.

While nobody has control over the pandemic, there are some things that restaurant owners can do to boost their business:

 

1. Require Employees to Wear Masks and Gloves.

With many people paranoid about potentially catching COVID-19, it’s important to make sure that each and every one of your staff members is supplied with a mask and a pair of clean gloves at all times.

Without such, not only will the virus be more likely to transfer, but customers may feel uncomfortable ordering from your restaurant from the start.

 

2. Offer Delivery Via Food Delivery Apps.

With more people staying at home, many people appreciate food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, and Grubhub.

With the option to receive contact-free delivery to their doorstep, they don’t have to worry as much about contracting the virus.

So, joining a food delivery app or two could be a very good thing for your business if you wish to increase sales and, not to mention, catch the eye of new potential customers.

 

3. Provide Outdoor Dining if Allowed in Your Region.

Many counties and states are allowing restaurants to offer outdoor seating during this time.

With many people dying to dine somewhere to get a sense of “normal” as much as possible, it’s a great idea for restaurants to consider this option to appear more appealing to consumers.

 

4. Add New Menu Items

Although adding new menu items doesn’t automatically reel in more sales at a restaurant, it can, in the long run, help bring in more profit.

Initially, it can take a while for customers to notice new menu items, but once they try them, word eventually gets around, and next thing you know, you’re getting more orders.

If you wish to not add new, permanent menu items at this time, you can consider offering weekly specials as a way to entice new customers and keep the old ones coming back for more.

 

5. Advertise That You’re Open During the Pandemic

Truth be told, many restaurants are either closed temporarily, completely closed or have strict hours due to how the virus has impacted their sales. That said, consumers may assume that many of their favorite restaurants are not open at the time they wish to dine.

Therefore, it’s critical that you consistently update social media and make sure to run ads online to remind people that you are, in fact, open.

Discover more about boosting your restaurant’s success during this dire time from the Bullpreneur website.

 

Conclusion

Are your restaurant sales suffering during the Coronavirus? You are not alone.

Thousands of restaurants are suffering too, and thousands have already closed their doors permanently due to the virus.

However, on the bright side, there are many things you can do to improve your sales as much as possible, virus or not. Work harder, and watch the results come in.