Finally! Restaurants are now able to open their doors for outdoor and, in some cases, indoor dining. Even though the doors are now open, customers are still a little apprehensive about dining out.
It’s important to keep the charm and atmosphere of your restaurant while keeping it safe under the current circumstances. A study showed that 63% of consumers would rather spend money on a restaurant experience than spend money shopping at a store. Consumers want dining experiences still, but will only go out if safety measures are put in place.
So how can you still provide the restaurant experience customers are looking for, while also keeping them safe from COVID-19? Here are a few tips on how to update your restaurant and keep people coming back again and again:
These are the main tips that will help get customers through your doors, but make sure to also go above and beyond for your customers. Updating your website and social media is a great way to keep everyone informed about your reopening, as well as letting customers know your expectations of them dining at your restaurant. Adding to your website that you are open for outdoor dining or take out will help reduce confusion and increase customer satisfaction. Reach out to your customers and community and ask what kind of adjustments and updates they want to see in restaurants. What will make them take that final step and dine out again? Knowing your customers and learning what will make them comfortable is the best way for your restaurant to be successful.
References
“Considerations for Restaurants and Bars.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 June 2020, (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/business-employers/bars-restaurants.html) Accessed 15 July 2020.
Russo, Thomas A. “How to Lower Your Coronavirus Risk While Eating out: Advice from an Infectious Disease Expert.” CNN, Cable News Network, 8 June 2020, (www.cnn.com/travel/article/coronavirus-safety-restaurants-wellness/index.html) Accessed 15 July 2020.
“National Restaurant Association Issues Guidance for Restaurants Readying to Reopen.” National Restaurant Association, 23 Apr. 2020, (www.restaurant.org/articles/news/association-issues-reopening-guidance) Accessed 15 July 2020.
“National Statistics.” National Restaurant Association, 2020, (www.restaurant.org/research/restaurant-statistics/restaurant-industry-facts-at-a-glance) Accessed 15 July 2020.