open for business | Be safe
We’re starting to poke our heads out of the safety of our homes, coming into a new season and a new normal. It’s been a week to week ride, from fear to frustration, then acceptance to anxiousness. Our ongoing desire is to get back to normal.
What will “normal” look like post-quarantine?
As a restaurant, you may already be engaging in take out and “no-touch” procedures to serve your customers. Outdoor signage, social media and website updates along with word of mouth are forms in which you may have communicated. The demand to get out, enjoy a different environment and not have to cook will likely accelerate over the coming weeks.
Most of us have been cooking and eating at home for weeks now. One of the first things many families are looking forward to is eating out at their favorite restaurant. As a restaurant owner, how do you open safely? Toast Tab offers some key ideas for a successful opening. The concepts can still apply for your reopening. Phase in with a soft opening, partnerships with a vendor or charity, or a “bounce back” special offer to get customers to return. This time of reemerging is not just about filling seats and keeping the doors open, it’s about helping your patrons feel confident and safe as the world reemerges from quarantine.
Time to Make a plan
What’s your plan and will you be ready? Considerations include increased exterior signage to let people know that you’re open as well as interior signs that reinforce physical distancing measures you have put in place. Disposable menus, floor graphics and table tents will show your commitment keep diner’s safe. And don’t forget clever reminders for all to wash their hands and be mindful of others. This is a good opportunity to display your brand and personality while prioritizing the health of your customers and staff.
Being present on social media and having an updated website that communicates your current status and safety measures, matters. Now is a great time to consider a postcard menu that doubles as a mailer to excite your loyal customers and introduce yourself to new diners. Mail is an easy and cost-effective way to remind them you’re ready to serve,. Let them know you’re open for pick up, delivery or dining on site. Adding an incentive to come in and save, get a free appetizer or percentage off your next visit can help elevate you above the rest.
Consider a refresh on branded materials. Think cups, mugs, hats, shirts or other appropriate swag to welcome back the community. If you offer to-go beverages, create a branded growler. Maybe include mini hand sanitizer printed with your logo on the check plate. Create a reusable to-go bag or creative labels for your food containers. All this will give those you interact with a memorable experience!
We’re here to helP!
We have the resources, ideas and implementation plans to assist. You can focus on in getting you back in the kitchen and keep those seats (and take out bags) filled. We have you covered with outdoor and indoor signage, fliers, menus, swag, apparel, product, to-go packaging and more. Our team can advise and support your safe and successful reopening launch. Now we’re hungry…