Coronavirus, or better known as Covid 19, almost seems like a scene from a horror movie. It came out of nowhere. We are walking around masked, avoiding social gatherings, constantly washing hands and let’s not forgetting the nasty effect it has had on most economies.
Many restaurants closed down after the lock-down issued in many states, while other food joints popped up like mushrooms and are currently doing well. We could say that this season for many restaurants has been like the struggle for the fittest, with only the vigilant putting up a fight to remain. The call to be more creative is a cry that this new decade has enforced upon us all.
However, this season has been met with a lot of competence and agility from most restaurant owners. They almost immediately embraced the challenge by seizing the scene and creating websites to ensure their services continued throughout uncertain times. It is of utmost importance that your restaurant has a website. Staying visible in a rather dark season is what will set you apart from the rest. Despite what you might think, creating a website won’t necessarily be expensive. You can create one using a website builder for restaurants and spend less than you would if you were to hire a web designer.
Having a website and being active online shows your customers that you care enough to continue giving them the best at the comfort of their home. Everything is now online, and having an eye-catching website will provide your customer with a special treat every time they hop on there.
When it comes to customer service, you must give your regulars the best. Invest in a good website, excellent software, and it will pay off. Make sure your website is visually appealing, has good functionality, and makes it easy for your customers to see the menu, make orders, contact you, etc. If you are using a website builder, you don’t have to worry much about making it look nice, since there are many beautiful professional looking templates to start out with. All you have to do is customize your choice of template to make sure your website doesn’t end up looking to generic.
You should also integrate a great customer service solution into your website so that your customers can easily contact you if there is an issue or if they just have a question. This will give them a great experience and they will be more likely to come back to your restaurant.
Here are some things that you can incorporate into your restaurant to make it thrive in this season.
Regular fumigation of the workspace
Until the government gets a permanent solution for dealing with covid 19, you must incorporate regular deep cleaning to keep everyone healthy. You can either do it yourself or hire a cleaning company to do the job for you.
Regularly testing all employees for COVID-19
Constantly checking the health status of your employees will improve the general health and comfort at the restaurant. When your employees are feeling safe, the job efficiency will highly improve. Also, consider offering regular pieces of training to help the employees better take care of themselves.
Consider using delivery services
Delivery services are an absolute must. However, your delivery services must be top-notch. Ensure that your delivery teams have excellent customer service while on the job and maintain high levels of cleanliness. Ensure that they are correctly adorned for the job at the pick up.
Some restaurants have lost customers because the delivery people were rude and even insisted on getting a tip once they delivered.
Make sure to continue taking care of your customer even in the comfort of their home.
Online marketing
Consider investing a little more money into your online marketing strategy. Offering top-notch advertising videos on all social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube will ensure you remain shining bright. With a considerable number of people spending 90% of their time online, it is crucial to be present with them.
Be creative
It is not the time to remain the same- using the old menus. This time try new menus and offer a difference in your food selection. Consider new packaging styles. Remember, it’s easier to keep an old client than bring a new one on board. As you maintain your old friends, whisk some new ones your way. Consider menus that are a healthier option for people.
Marketing strategies
Offer a buy one get one deal, offer promotions. Use influencers. Consider reaching out to all, not just the high and mighty. Regularly reach out to the lower class by reducing prices on some meals or days. This is the season to make a difference, to send out your new menu. You might want to consider employing a team that is well versed in marketing.
Go organic
Offering fresh food options in a season demanding a healthier lifestyle is the way to go. It is also safer to know where you are buying the food. Make this information very visible to your client.
Employ reservations
Having walk-ins in this season might not be the smartest thing to maintain. Because then, social distancing is not observed, consequently making your guest feel less safe when they visit you at the restaurant.
Conclusions
While this pandemic has threatened to have everything at a standstill, you must continue to offer a safe working and dining environment. Face your fears and embrace change to continue thriving.
