Published: June 2021

Your Guide to Reopening a Restaurant After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Navigate the challenges of reopening with these essential steps to adapt, thrive, and cater to customer needs.

Introduction

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants are starting to reopen and welcome customers back. This guide will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of reopening successfully.

Step 1 – Keep the Delivery Option

Many customers have become accustomed to delivery and no-contact collection during the pandemic. Retaining this option ensures you cater to nervous customers and those who enjoy the convenience of takeout. Consider creative options like bulk meal offerings for added value.

Step 2 – Communicate

Stay connected with your customers through social media, email lists, and your website. Share updates, safety protocols, and menu changes. Engage them with recipes, tutorials, and other high-quality content to keep your brand top of mind.

Step 3 – Push Gift Cards

Boost cash flow by promoting gift cards. These provide immediate revenue and can drive future customer visits. To generate interest, revisit previous popular promotions and tie them to gift card campaigns.

Step 4 – Take Your Time

Don’t rush to reopen fully. Start with limited hours and test new procedures, like no-contact pick-up or mobile ordering, to address customer concerns. A thoughtful reopening will build trust and long-term loyalty.

Step 5 – Review the Menu (and Your Profits)

Use this downtime to analyze menu performance and refine offerings. Identify and remove underperforming dishes, optimize food costs, and consider introducing variations of popular items. This is also a great time to review your profit and loss statement and address inefficiencies.

Step 6 – Improve Recruitment and Training

Take advantage of the talent pool created by the pandemic. Update your recruitment methods and onboarding processes to attract and retain skilled workers. Invest in engaging training materials, such as videos, to prepare employees for success.

Step 7 – Boost Your Digital Marketing

Enhance your online presence with a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. Create engaging content using tools like Adobe Spark and Canva, and consider investing in paid ads for increased visibility. Ensure your website is user-friendly and fast-loading.

Step 8 – Get Accustomed to a New ‘Normal’

Embrace the new normal with flexibility and innovation. Continue offering delivery and no-contact options, as some customers may prefer these for the foreseeable future. Restaurants that adapt will thrive in this evolving landscape.

Conclusion

Reopening after the pandemic requires careful planning and adaptability. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and position your restaurant for success in both the short and long term. Best of luck!