How to Deal with the Restrictions Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic?

The whole world lives under the veil of the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, it is obvious that the restrictions related to our fight against this virus are connected, long-term and will most probably change some of our habits forever. Primarily, we are speaking about the needs and behaviour of the customers which will also force a change in the services offered to them. Restaurants and pubs should lead the way of our reaction since the economic consequences of the pandemic has hit them hard and among the first ones.

Going to Pubs Is a Thing of the Past

Restaurant owners were used to a more or less passive attitude during which they waited for their customers to sit down at their place by the table. Only then they began to orbit around them, bringing them food, drinks and charging them for their service. However, this way of functioning is significantly constrained now and it will take some time until it is restored completely – and it will take even longer for the guests to return. In other words, the experience from the spring lockdown is that it will take some time for things to get back to normal in terms of people visiting pubs and restaurants.

Looking for New Opportunities

The primary question is how to satisfy the needs of the customers so that the revenues don't become liquidating. We all believe the restrictions are temporary and that the most important thing now is to survive. The time for business building, growth and investments will come later. The good news is that people will always have to eat. What are the options then?

• A take-away spot. It can be an open window or a table by the entrance on which you can serve the customers who will take away their food or drinks to their homes or office. You can even consider a convenient drive-in solution for your customers.
• A delivery service. There are companies that specialise in ordering and delivering food. You can become a part of their business but you have to keep in mind the commission these companies charge. Your prices and the whole menu has to accommodate this fact so that your business makes sense to both you and your customers. 
• Your own delivery service. You don't need an external company to do your deliveries. What you need is a car and a skilled driver and you can do it all by yourself. Obviously, this makes sense when the amount of food you are delivering is bigger, therefore it is advised to set up a minimal order or charge the delivery extra.
• Big organisations in the neighborhood. This is an interesting opportunity to ensure a stable and large demand, ideally in combination with the previously described options. Look for a big organisation in your neighborhood (a university, office, company and so on) whose employees are still looking for places to eat. Although not all of them go to work now, there are still enough of them so that it made sense for your business. Offer your service in delivering lunches (or even breakfast or snacks) to them.

If some of these options make sense to your company, it is sensible to keep them in operation even after the restrictions are lifted. Since our fight against COVID-19 is not won yet, these restrictions can come back again anytime. 

Changes in the Hygiene

In an altered style of service in the restaurant, bistro or pub, also the type of products needed for keeping the place hygienic is changing. In the case of a complete closing, the consumption of toilet paper, soap and paper towels is decreasing. Nevertheless, this drop in consumption is only temporary since the complete closing doesn't last for long, which also reduces the possibility of the guarantee of the hygienic products expiring. On the other hand, the demand for paper napkins has increased significantly since you have to pack them with every order, as well the demand for disinfection which is used at the take-away spot. In such turbulent times it is good to have a reliable and big supplier like the SHP Group. A wide offer of products and a broad option of sizes with flexible delivery options makes it a fixed point you can rely on in these times.