Day-to-Day Operations
Last week, we shared some tips and resources on starting or optimizing pick-up and delivery. If you are offering or planning to offer delivery, you may want to participate in #OpenForDelivery, a campaign launched by DoorDash on 3/23 and designed to let consumers know that restaurants are open for delivery, delivery is SAFE and restaurants need their patronage and support now more than ever to get through these challenging times.
You can designate your operation as #OpenForDelivery using digital sticker packs, business profile filters, content and more, with the goal of creating a public groundswell of support for restaurants. This campaign is not limited to the DoorDash app; Uber Eats, Postmates, Caviar, Grubhub, Skip The Dishes and Foodora are also participating!
#OpenForDelivery | Learn More>>
Further, the OpenForDelivery website invites consumers to support their local restaurants and provides food safety content and tips on how to spread the word to promote and support their local favorites. Also offering pick-up? Put up signage to remind those supportive customers who are waiting in line to keep 6 feet apart from other patrons.
A Time Of Transformation
The challenges we’re facing today are unlike what we’ve seen before. We are all trying to become creative in finding solutions and new ways to bring in revenue.
If you’re already delivering food in the form of take-out meals, there is also an opportunity to include household staples. As grocery stores are becoming overwhelmed, some innovative restaurateurs are augmenting their off-premise operations by incorporating grocery delivery into their business model. You can package some of the unopened food in your pantry for delivery to customers. Particularly perishables and staples. Break down bulk items that can be repacked for consumer use. Pack together complementary items that can be served together – be sure to include cooking instructions.
Do you have a famous sauce that your customers crave? Maybe it’s the dry mix for a beloved bread or biscuit. If it’s a fan favorite, you can package it in a consumer-friendly size and offer it for sale. These actions can help bring in some revenue on food that you might not have been able to use, as well as reinforce consumer loyalty as they know they can still get their favorite foods that they crave. And all with the added convenience of delivery!
Read The Little Greek’s Story>>
Your customers love your food and really want to help your operation survive! Give them that opportunity with gift cards and branded merchandise. You can sell wearable merchandise (branded t-shirts, jackets and hats) and gift cards to let your patrons continue to support their local business, keep your brand top-of-mind, and bring in supplemental revenue. Refrigerator magnets with your restaurant name and phone number remind customers you’re open for pick-up and/or delivery. Branded mugs and glasses are yet another way to promote your business. If you already have some of these items – even if they’re t-shirts meant for employees to wear – make them work for you, just in a different way.
Planning For The Now
We are in it together! Below is a link to a FREE webinar: “What Restaurant Operators Should Know About COVID-19”. It takes place Tuesday 3/31/20 at 2:00pm EDT/1:00pm CDT and features speakers from our industry. They’ll discuss the virus and its impact on restaurants.
Be heard! The National Restaurant Association is collecting information on the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, in a confidential, anonymous survey. Click on the link below to access the survey.
Planning For The Future
Everyone is working hard to maintain business operations and navigate their way through these uncharted waters. We’re very focused on the ‘now’ but we can’t lose sight of the future. If you are facing challenges with rent, it is important to understand your lease and know key dates. The attached document “Tenant’s Guide to Rent Relief” provides some sound advice, suggestions and additional resources for assistance.
We’re here to help! If you have questions or need further guidance, please reach out to your Kronos Foods Sales Manager. We may not have all the answers, but we’re here to figure it out together! Stay healthy and be well.