If you run a bar or a restaurant, then 2020 will have no doubt been a very difficult year for you. The COVID19 pandemic has affected everyone, all over the world, and while we all must make adjustments to the way that we live and interact with each other, this will no doubt have had a huge negative impact on the trade of your hospitality business.
Of course, there are different rules and restrictions surrounding what you can and cannot do depending on where you are. If you are lucky enough to be in a position where you are still allowed to open your doors and trade, then you’ll need to think creatively about how you can adapt your business.
There is no denying business has been challenging for many, even those that have been allowed to reopen after lockdowns and quarantine periods have ended. However, for those that are still in the process of opening or are looking for ways to operate, here are some suggestions of things that you can do to help you.
Carry Out A Risk Assessment
Before your business reopens to the public, you should carry out a full COVID19 risk assessment. Your local government offices may have provided you with some information about how you should do one of these already and you should follow their advice.
The risk assessment will look at the areas of your business that are most at risk from COVID19. For instance, you will need to consider how you will ensure people keep their distance from each other. One of the ways that you can overcome this in a hospitality setting is to separate tables in line with the required social distancing guidelines. This may mean ensuring there is a two metre gap between customer’s tables. You should check your local guidelines to find out what this distance is.
You should also consider the subject of face coverings. Will you require customers to wear them whenever they are not eating or drinking?
You will also need to think about utensils, cups and glasses that will have been touched by the customer’s lips and mouths. Many venues may opt for single-use utensils and paper cups.
If you have employees, you should write your risk assessment out and share the information with them.
Be Clear On The Rules
You need to make sure that you fully understand the rules that apply to your business. Not only that, but it is your responsibility for communicating these effectively to the customer.
Create clear and visible signage that provides specific instructions. You may wish to take a look at UK suppliers Seton, who have a range of useful signage for businesses. For example, if you require visitors to wear face coverings, make sure that this is clearly communicated.
Run a Takeaway Service
If your business is dramatically affected by the number of covers that you are able to serve on any given day, then you may wish to look at offering a takeout service. If you don’t already do this already, this is a great way to boost your sales. With the help of what some believe to be the best online ordering system for takeaways, you’ll be able to serve more customers than you would do in your restaurant normally as there is no need to wait for a table to become free to serve the next customers.
Become Delivery Friendly
In addition to offering a takeaway, you could also offer a delivery service too. This will ensure that you are able to help customers who are self-isolating or who are too far away to easily get to your restaurant to buy takeout in the first place.
Serve All Of Your Drinks To The Table
Queues at the bar lead to social distancing breaking down, and you need to ensure your business is as safe as possible. One way that you can do this is by serving customers their drinks at their tables.
Encourage your customers to download an app that will allow them to place orders from their table. That will reduce the amount of server contact you have too- keeping your team safe.
Strictly Limit The Number of Customers You Allow In At Once
In order to remain compliant with social distancing guidelines, you may need to limit the number of people that you can allow in at one time. Make sure and do the calculations in relation to your local authority’s regulations surrounding social distancing.
You could opt to take advance bookings or use a guest list management app to manage the entire process.
Reduce The Number Of Tables You Have
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to seat as many people in your restaurant at once as you normally would have done. As such, you will have to reduce the number of tables and chairs that you have in your restaurant.
In an attempt to recoup the lost sales, you should look at promotions that increase the overall transaction value. Look at increasing the number of combo deals that you have on offer.
Negotiate Discounts With Your Landlords
During these difficult times, doing business will be challenging. It may be possible to negotiate discounts with your landlords to see if you can get a rent reduction. There may be subsidies that are available to them to be able to offer you reduced rent for a limited period in order to allow your business to remain open and trading.
Apply For Any Grants Or Funding Available
Depending on where your business is based, there may be some support that you could apply for to help keep your business open. Do some research and see whether there are any grants or loans that you may be eligible for.
Keep Your Workforce Motivated
Morale may be pretty low at the moment, and it is completely understandable why. However, it is important to keep your spirits up. Do whatever you need to ensure your team is positive and upbeat at all times. This may mean running incentives and providing additional support and training.
Think positive at all times. Although you are going through a challenging time right now, things will improve eventually and hopefully, your business will weather the storm.
