Restaurants: Delivery business vs. closing

Many of you have been trying to adjust to the delivery and curbside pick up model this past week. Some are experiencing good sales; others are struggling. Here are some tips to improve your to-go business and some tough questions to determine whether or not you should close your doors for now.

To improve delivery and pick up business
1. Adjust your menu to meal-based options. Focus on comfort food and healthier dishes. People will no longer be able to afford “off the menu” single dishes.

2. Create a weekly menu of options so people so they can order once for the week. This will afford you efficiencies in prep and delivery and possibly reduce costs.

3. Provide the option of purchasing food staples with orders (eggs, milk, bread, produce, etc.

4. Don’t be afraid to offer something special as well (date night box, brunch in a box, specialty drinks, etc.)

5. Cut your hours. No need to be open 7 days.

6.. Don’t stop promoting your sanitization procedures

7. Promote like crazy. Use your email database and social media platforms to get the word out.

8.. Check out this video called Getting Ahead of the Curve through Collaboration for ideas on working with neighboring restaurants to improve efficiencies and exposure in the community.  https://www.angelcicerone.com/covid-19/collaborate

If you did not have a decent take out or delivery business before the outbreak, there’s a good chance you aren’t seeing sufficient revenue. Should you close for now?

Please take a minute to do an honest assessment. If you don’t have a good email database, a decent social media following or traction with the 3rd party delivery services, there’s a good chance you’re not going to be able to sustain as a delivery-only establishment.

Take a breath to evaluate, even if you have to close for a day. Do the math. How much are you losing? How much would you save by closing the doors, and reducing the electric bill and cutting off all unnecessary expenses like internet access, reducing payroll and payroll taxes?

If the numbers tell you it’s time to stop, then stop. Don’t panic. Preservation of capital is an excellent strategy for future success. Cut every cost possible.

Remember, closing up is not giving up.

Until next time remember,
You can do this!
Angel