As many states begin reopening and others prepare for the near future, restaurants have a lot to think about before opening their doors again. There is no universal roster of dos and don’ts, with each state rolling out its own set of specific requirements (and some even broken down by county), however there are some overall recommendations that will likely be relevant for all dine-in restaurants.
Social Distancing & Protective Equipment
Employee Health
Cleaning/Sanitizing/Disinfecting
A restaurant in Hong Kong published a COVID-19 Playbook with their tips for re-opening. In the introduction, co-founder Syed Asim Hussain says: “Prepare for criticism, because no matter what you do, it will come. But if you are doing what you believe in your heart of hearts is right, the negativity tends not to pierce as deeply.”
A new study by Magid, a Minneapolois based research consultancy, shows that 47% of consumers trust restaurants to take the proper safety precautions when re-opening. 57% of consumers expect to return to restaurants by the Fall, but their return is based upon a few key factors, such as personal sanitation kits at every table, visible hand washing stations for employees, beverages served in the original bottle or can, and contact-free payment.
The biggest consideration is that you want to make customers feel that their safety is your top priority. It’s not just about extra cleaning and precautions, but ensuring that your patrons know that you care about their health and well-being. Consider posting a statement sharing your hygiene and cleanliness standards, although actions speak louder than words. Make sure customers can see employees taking additional precautions, such as washing their hands and sanitizing tables after patrons depart.
More than anything, a re-opening plan has to be flexible and prepared for changes. There is so much uncertainty and things are changing day by day. There is also the possibility that after a period of re-opening, restaurants will be required to close again. These are all things that restaurants need to be prepared for and aware of. Although closing and re-opening is costly, the experience that restaurants endured in March has given them the experience and a chance to be better prepared if it happens again.
Additional Resources:
A List of Statewide Return to Work Protocols
Best Practices from the FDA Website
Reopening Guidance from the National Restaurant Association