Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many restaurants have had to adapt get creative in the ways they serve their customers. A few creative tactics I have noticed are using QR code menus instead of physical menus to avoid the spread of germs, doing no-contact delivery, and creating outside walk up windows for pick-up orders.
What are some other ways restaurants have gotten creative to work around COVID-19?
I’ve noticed those QR codes too, and think that will be great practice moving forward. I’ve also noticed the strict enforcement of masks and hygiene, as well as some places (restaurants and retail stores) installing plastic dividers between the customer and the employee. It’s important for these restaurants to protect their staff as well as the customers, so I’m usually shocked and a bit disappointed when I see restaurants not taking appropriate precautions. I wonder if these changes will become normal practice - I don’t foresee them going away for many who have taken the time to enforce them. Do you think they will ever do away with the outside pick up, QR code menus, no-contact delivery, strict hygiene rules, etc etc?
I think the QR code is genius and added bonus of being environmentally friendly! Instead of having to reprint menus every time there is a change, a digital edit is way quicker and doesn’t require printing costs.
On the other hand it does require all patrons to have a smart phone, so does it discriminate against those who don’t?
Really good point - have you experienced places that have extra paper or even disposable menus on hand for those that don’t have a smart phone?
Coming from the restaurant industry in the past, one of my least favorite closing tasks was wiping down every single menu so I’m sure the restaurant employees enjoy this change as well!
Yes! The disposable menus have also become popular during COVID times. So that is a good alternative to those who don’t own a smart phone.
Although we’ve seen these changes implemented, recent news shows that some hot spot areas have begun closing restaurants and bars again. How do you think this will affect those restaurants that invested in a reopening plan?
My adult daughter works at a restaurant that has spent time and money on re-opening in a safe way. She did say, however, if they have to close again, she didn’t think her restaurant would be able to survive it which is really unfortunate.
The restaurant she works at has implemented a few other changes than the ones already mentioned. She said you need to have a reservation.
Your entire party needs to be there before being sat at a table. This will help people eat and go and not linger for too long.
They’ve also added arrows on the floor to show pathways for walking so people can be socially distant in the restaurant.
And, all employees must wear a mask!
I was happy to hear how strict her boss has been to the rules they’ve created. I, myself, wouldn’t go to any restaurant that hasn’t adapted to our situation in some way. Would you?
I agree with you, Tammy! I wouldn’t go to a restaurant that isn’t taking this seriously.
In reference to your note about your daughter’s experience - These restaurants dealt with a large financial loss when the Stay at Home order hit. If they weren’t set up for take out, they needed to figure out how to do that and fast. I have seen some of my favorite little bars, diners, and local coffee shops go out of business quickly. For those that did survive the Stay at Home order and switch to take out, in order to open again they needed to implement new safety precautions. These, as we’ve chatted about, are: masks for employees, signs for both employees and customers regarding COVID precautions, reservation systems, arrows on the floor, barriers and plastic dividers, QRE menu systems, etc etc.
Unfortunately, most of those things cost money and time (and in this case, time is money), and these restaurants that took a hit don’t have a lot of that to throw around. If they are forced to close again I can see how it would be a negative impact. They haven’t had enough time to recover from the precaution investments, let alone the initial closures. I hope these places can survive for the sake of their employees, the owners, and their loyal customers!!