The restaurant industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants started to offer take-out and delivery services to stay afloat. Now That we are slowly moving back to normal, some charges remain sky-high. But there are some things you need to know to make the most of your take-away section. Let's first take a look at the effect covid had on the industry and then at some tips to bounce back:
Effects Of COVID-19 On Restaurants
First, it's essential to understand how COVID-19 has changed the landscape of the restaurant industry. According to a recent report from the National Restaurant Association, sales at restaurants have declined by 30% since the pandemic began. This is a significant drop, which means that restaurants are struggling to make ends meet.
In response to this decline in sales, many restaurants have started offering take-out and delivery services. While this is an excellent way to keep customers coming back, it's important to remember that these services come with their own set of costs. For example, delivery services typically charge a commission for each order they fulfill. This can eat into profits, especially for small businesses.
Another cost associated with take-out and delivery is the packaging. Many restaurants are now using disposable containers and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. While this is a necessary precaution, it can also be expensive.
But what can restaurants do to change this? Here are some valuable tips:
Offer Discounts And Promotions
One way to offset some of the additional costs associated with take-out and delivery is to offer discounts and promotions. For example, you could offer a discount for customers who order through your website or app. You could also provide promotional codes for customers who pay with cash or use a particular credit card. But, of course, the easiest way to give your customers the best quality without the high delivery rates is to use an online food ordering system for your restaurant’s take-away orders to cut out the middleman, and they can order directly from their favorite restaurant.
Create A Loyalty Program
Another way to keep customers coming back is to create a loyalty program. This could involve giving points for every purchase or offering a discount for customers who reach a certain spending threshold. Loyalty programs are a great way to encourage customers to return, even during tough times.
Focus On Quality
Even though take-out and delivery orders can be more expensive, focusing on quality is essential. This means using fresh ingredients, cooking each dish to order, and packaging everything to keep it fresh. Of course, customers will be willing to pay a little extra for quality, so don't skimp on this aspect of your business.
Offer Something Unique
In addition to focusing on quality, you should also try to offer something unique. This could be a special dish that you only make for take-out or delivery orders or a promotional item that you include with each order. Whatever you do, make sure it's something that will make your restaurant stand out from the competition.
Train Your Staff Members How To Handle Take-Aways
Staff members need to be appropriately trained on handling take-out and delivery orders. This includes taking orders over the phone, preparing the food correctly, and delivering the food to the customer's doorstep. It is crucial to ensure that all of your staff members are well-trained to avoid any mistakes that could cost you money. In addition, use technology to your advantage and make sure that your website and menus are easy to navigate. Finally, keep your restaurant clean and organized for take-out and delivery orders. This will help ensure that the food is prepared correctly and looks appealing to the customer.
Train Your Staff On How To Handle COVID-19 Situations
Restaurant staff need to be adequately trained on how to handle COVID-19 situations. This will help to ensure that your customers remain safe and that your restaurant remains profitable. Here are some tips for training your staff on how to handle COVID-19:
- Make sure your staff is aware of the symptoms of COVID-19
- Train your staff on how to properly disinfect surfaces and food preparation areas
- Instruct your staff on how to deal with customers who may be infected with COVID-19
- Encourage your staff to maintain good hygiene practices
- Remind your staff to stay calm and patient during stressful situations
In Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has been brutal on the restaurant industry, but there are ways to take the profit back. You can keep customers coming back- even during these challenging times by offering discounts and promotions, focusing on quality, and offering something unique.
