How to Run a Successful Restaurant Business During the Coronavirus

The coronavirus has been extremely damaging to the restaurant industry. Restaurant sales are down 80 percent since the introduction of stay-at-home orders. Three percent of food services have had to permanently close, as they determined that they would be unable to make up for the lost revenue and increasing debt.

In spite of the challenges created by Covid-19, some restaurant owners are managing to sustain their businesses with innovative ideas. The most successful restaurants are those that have transitioned to takeout, drive-through and food delivery services. With creative restaurant marketing techniques, these food services have managed to spread the word about their new style of business and attract customers.

Transitioning from dine-In to takeout and delivery

While the restaurant industry thrives on throngs of dine-in customers, it is important for restaurant owners to adapt to the new norm. Takeout and delivery services have now become essential tools for the survival of these businesses. Though they require a dramatic shift in operations, these services allow restaurants to operate, employ workers and still abide by social distancing guidelines.

Using a delivery service for restaurants that normally function on dine-ins is a difficult transition. Implementing optimal food-delivery business ideas requires careful planning, marketing and execution. The aim is to make the transition easier for workers and more user-friendly for customers. Restaurants may need a greater supply of takeout boxes, utensils, and bags. From there, meals can be packaged and placed in a pick-up spot for delivery workers.

For example, you must first review your menu. Make sure that it is well-organized and easy to read, so that customers have no difficulty finding certain meals or items. Highlight the dishes that are well-suited to take-out containers and can be transported with ease. Make sure to add professional food images. Pictures need to substitutes for the ambiance and smell of a restaurant.

Next, set up an online ordering system if you have not already done so. Many customers prefer to order on a website, especially if the ordering system is straightforward. As a complement to online ordering, however, you may set up a text-message system.

You may also want to set up text message updates. Customers appreciate receiving order confirmations with an estimated completion or delivery time. This also gives you an extra marketing tool, because you can alert customers of promotions or deals.

Finally, make sure your chefs and delivery workers abide by safety protocol. Designate a specific area for pick-up, where cars can pull up and a worker can bring the food to the car. Ensure that the packaging you use for food is sturdy and can withstand a disinfectant if the customer wants to clean the outside of the boxes.

Once you set-up the logistics for takeout and delivery, the next step is marketing. This is a critical element. Customers need to know about your services but how do you spread the message with a limited budget? Most restaurant owners have resorted to signing up with third-party online services like Doordash, GrubHub, Postmates or Ubereats. They provide have a huge following and will give the restaurant with instant marketing. Unfortunately, the 30% commission structure is not sustainable. You can increase your prices to offset the commission, but this will turnoff your regular customers. What should you do? Talk to a restaurant expert to help you navigate the problem.

The logistics for a successful transition to a takeout or dine-in restaurant is difficult and require years of experience to do it correct. This is why it is important to hire experts. Restaurant Remake has helped many owners successfully undergo the transition. In fact, those restaurants that have used their service are thriving during shelter-in laws. With their expertise, your restaurant will be closer to regaining its profitability. Call them for a free consultation.