2020 has been an unprecedented year. The COVID-19 pandemic shut the doors of restaurants and bars around the world. And now, as the world slowly gets back to normal (or finds a new normal), establishments are getting ready to open their doors again. If you’re a restaurant owner, you’re preparing to do business in a new way in this crazy world. As you prepare, there are some key factors to keep in mind.
Your customers have missed you! But they also want to be sure they’re staying safe and healthy. It is up to you to provide an enjoyable experience while guaranteeing cleanliness and comfort. You’ll also be welcoming back a staff that may have been unemployed for several weeks or months, so getting them up to speed is crucial. Just remember: people are itching to get back out into the world. This has been a hard time for all of us, and you’re offering a return to community, social engagement, and hospitality. So, get ready to reopen your restaurant with these few tips to get you started.
Update your tools
One of the first things you’ll want to do upon your return is to take inventory of your supplies. If you haven’t used your dishwasher or stove in months, it may not be up to par for your big reopening. Looking for new equipment? Look no further than GoFoodservice. From small appliances to big equipment, janitorial supplies to disposables, or tableware to dining room furniture, you can find whatever you need online with easy navigation and at great prices. This can be your one-stop shop for your new cleaning materials as well. Temperature check guns for staff, hand sanitizer for the entrance, and sanitizer for back-of-house are all available alongside any other restaurant equipment you might require.
Re-focus your goals
There’s no doubt COVID changed up the trajectory of your restaurant. Unfortunately, many establishments across the country closed their doors for good. If you want to stay afloat, it’s time to refocus your goals and set strategic priorities. How can you expand your business and keep people coming in the doors? Tools at workboard.com can help you set measurable, achievable outcomes while keeping your team on a cohesive path forward. Having objectives and key results software will set you up for success with transparency and strategy.
Know your state‘s requirements
As businesses reopen across the country, it has been up to the state governments to determine what phases will allow what level(s) of socialization. It’s crucial you know and understand your specific state requirements. Things like the number of patrons in the restaurant, the distance between tables, and staff hygiene may vary depending on where you’re located, so know all the facts before you announce your grand re-opening.
Abide by new safety standards
One of the new requirements will undoubtedly be enhanced cleaning measures and social distancing. It is up to you to take these new precautions and make them a strict matter of policy. Some measures should already be in place. For example, food safety was already paramount in restaurants, so you may not need to take too many steps for your kitchen staff. But your front of house staff will have to get used to working in masks and in some places with gloves and other protective equipment. How can you lower high touch points and utilize more single-use items? How often will you need to do a full cleaning of your dining room and kitchen? How will you guarantee safety for your staff? You have to have specific answers to these questions and more as you adjust to the new requirements.
Train staff on new procedures
You’re not alone in coming back to a different type of work environment. Your staff has to be ready for adjustments as well. It will be helpful to host training on the new sanitation procedures. Monitor the health of all of your staff and make it clear that anyone who has come in contact with a case of COVID-19 (or feels ill) cannot come to work until they are a confirmed negative case. This is an unprecedented situation. Your employees know that, but be sure everyone is on the same page before reopening.
