As the coronavirus response grows, thousands of restaurants are moving to off-premise service models. The challenge is getting the message out to dining customers that even though your dining room is closed, your business is open for takeout, drive-thru and delivery.
The National Restaurant Association reports that off-premise orders already make up about 60% of an operator’s business. This is a reminder that your commitment to public safety doesn’t mean turning out the lights.
In today’s unprecedented social-distancing climate, providing access to food can be a community lifeline. At the same time, it supports your business. Here are ideas on how to remind the public you’re still serving food:
Promote, promote, promote
Let the public know: “We’re open and ready to feed you. Call 123-4567 to order takeout.”
- Post a sign in your window
- Use street signs
- Try using an employee wearing sandwich boards
Have a media presence
Almost everyone in isolation is connected to some form of electronic media.
- Share with your customers on your social media accounts, email, and SMS texting
- Connect with “support local” social accounts responding to the crisis
- Join and post on local/neighborhood message boards (such as Nextdoor, Facebook Groups, Reddit)
- Reach out to local news media and conduct a positive interview
- New menu features
- How to feed the family
- Good food when feeling stressed
Practice street smarts
A little smart thinking goes a long way on a tight budget.
- Ensure customer pick-up practices social distancing and efficiency to limit crowding
- Is this the right time to try a third-party delivery service? (i.e. UberEats, GrubHub, DoorDash, etc.)
- Can your idle dining room staffers do bike delivery?
- Does it make sense to partner with a nearby restaurant?
Ask your Gordon Food Service Sales Representative for ways our team can help you address business challenges.
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