Restaurant Re-Opening: What To Expect And How To Prepare

Posted by Karen Erdelac on May 12, 2020

Restaurant Re-Opening: What To Expect And How To PrepareWhether you’re beginning to offer table service or reopening your restaurant for the first time, there are several things you’ll need to consider in order to be prepared. The environment is sure to be a little chaotic, so preparation is key. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.

Logistics

This list will include reaching out to vendors, evaluating potential revenue, cleaning your store and organizing your dining area to comply with social distancing. Your menu and prices may need to be adjusted to fit what vendors have available and the current costs involved with operating as a whole. Your entire restaurant should be deep cleaned.Tables and chairs will need to be moved to ensure proper distancing. Will you allow walk-ins? Or will table service be by reservation only? What capacity will you be allowed to operate at? These are essential first steps to consider prior to opening your restaurant.

Staffing

Tasks in regards to staffing include determining hours of operation, creating a staff schedule, and training on new procedures. First, you’ll need to determine if you want to go with normal business hours or a scaled back schedule to ease back in. Contact your available staff and bring back your top employees first. Training on new procedures will be essential to the safety of your staff and your guests. Procedures for cleaning, interacting with guests and the use of protective gear should all be thoroughly understood and followed.

Marketing

Marketing is going to be essential to communicate that you’re open, reassure customers you’re following all procedures, explain dining options, and, of course, to advertise your menu. Social media is going to be your biggest opportunity to draw in customers and build awareness around your re-opening. Post photos of your dishes, an updated menu and any specials you wish to advertise.  Running contests and other engaging activities will help to get guests excited about coming back.

Opening

Prior to opening your doors, you will want to make your procedures, precautions and menu updates easily available on your website and social media pages. Safety is going to be the top priority when you begin to invite guests back into your dining room. Make sure your staff and your guests are fully aware of any new policies and strictly enforce these rules. You want your guests to enjoy their experience, even if it is going to be a little different than it used to be. Posting this information online is the best way to prepare guests for what to expect.

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Topics: Restaurant