Adapt Quick-Service Restaurants for Delivery During Coronavirus
As a result of the global crisis caused by Coronavirus, economists have noted the largest quarterly decline in activity since 1933. While the impact has undoubtedly affected industries across the board, restaurants have been hit particularly hard. Many have already declared bankruptcy and others report currently being on the brink of financial ruin as they can no longer afford basic operational expenses like rent and payroll. Those who have managed to keep their doors open thus far can expect an unprecedented decline between 40 to 50% in consumer spending as the crisis continues and unfortunately, the outlook for dine-in restaurants, even after the pandemic ends, is less than ideal. Despite this, it is believed that as dine-in revenue decreases, commodities like food delivery, prepared foods and groceries will continue to rise. To remain afloat during this unprecedented time, it is crucial to adapt quick-service restaurants for delivery during Coronavirus.
Protect Employees and Customers
The first and most important factor to take into consideration when adapting quick-service restaurants for delivery during Coronavirus is the safety of both employees and customers. You must develop and enforce a strict policy that is in line with both CDC (Center for Disease Control) guidelines and local policies. In most cases, this will involve social distancing and face coverings for both employees and customers who enter the restaurant. For staff members, it will also mean increased handwashing, gloves, frequently sanitizing surfaces and complying with temperature or wellness checks. In the event that any employee shows signs of illness, they must avoid entering the facility.
Invest in Online Channels
In today’s day and age, it is vital for a restaurant to have a strong online presence. This becomes more important when your establishment is relying solely on pick-up or delivery orders to survive the crisis. This can mean adding an online-ordering mechanism to an existing website to streamline the process and avoid phone congestion or it could be as simple as partnering with a third-party food delivery service. Services like Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub and DoorDash are inexpensive, offer additional exposure and can be easily integrated with existing point-of-sale systems through an app like OrderOut.
Simplify Kitchen Operations Based on Customer’s Expectations
When adapting any restaurant for delivery, it is vital to reconsider how your kitchen operates. This can be done by adding a printer directly in the kitchen to streamline order prep time, limiting the menu temporarily or by changing the duties of existing staff members. The overall goal when adapting for delivery is to decrease prep time, prepare quality dishes and ensure that the packaging is adequate enough to travel well and meet your customer’s expectations.
Targeted Communication to Customers
Many restaurants have been forced to close their doors due to Coronavirus. Those who have remained open have altered their practices, hours and even their menus. This makes it difficult for customers to know which restaurants are still operating and which are offering delivery. To ensure that your restaurant will receive delivery orders, targeted communication to customers is necessary. This communication should focus on food delivery; however, it should also inform customers of the precautions that are being taken by your restaurant to ensure that they remain safe. It will also prove useful to mention any changes to schedules or menus that the restaurant has adapted due to Coronavirus to avoid any misunderstandings.
Change Supply Chain
Another consequence of Coronavirus has been the disruption of typical supply chains. This has led many restaurants to stop offering certain dishes or ingredients and has also forced them to use alternate packaging for delivery or take out. To avoid future disruptions as the pandemic continues, consider changing your supply chain. This simple step can allow you to have more stock and a variety of suppliers. You may also be able to arrange different payment terms than with your current suppliers and purchase supplies needed for delivery ahead of time.
Manage Cash by Renegotiating Expenses and Deferring Spendings
As you adapt quick-service restaurants for delivery during Coronavirus, it can be difficult to afford the needed adaptations while already struggling to maintain afloat amidst the pandemic. While you work to introduce delivery options, try to manage your cash by renegotiating expenses and deferring spendings. Everyone has been affected by this global crisis and property owners, investors and suppliers will likely be understanding and open to negotiations that are mutually beneficial when looking towards the future.
Prepare for Different Scenarios and Plan Your Comeback
Sadly, the global pandemic has left many businesses feeling uncertain about their future. With no definite end in sight, it is difficult to plan for even weeks ahead of time; let alone for the long-term. In either case, prepare for a variety of different scenarios. Identify how your restaurant will operate if dine-in options remain closed for 3 months, 6 months or even 12. Consider how your restaurant can continue to adapt; offering outdoor dining, for instance or operating at 50% capacity, will allow your restaurant to persevere while adhering to local guidelines. This will eliminate any surprises in the future and allow all members of the staff to be on the same page. Likewise, plan your comeback for when the crisis ends and determine how your restaurant can continue to adapt post-crisis when spending is expected to remain lower than usual.
Now that you are prepared to adapt quick-service restaurants for delivery during Coronavirus, be sure to consider which third-party delivery services will prove most beneficial for your restaurant before getting started.
