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2020 has been a difficult year for most of us. The coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic have meant that back in March, governments around the world started to implement stay at home orders, social isolation measures and social distancing to minimise and slow the spread of the virus. Over the past five months, many businesses have had to remain closed to abide by these new rules and restrictions. One of the industries that has been hit the hardest is the dining and hospitality industry. Restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and other venues have all had to shut their doors, as social distancing in these spaces wasn’t initially deemed possible. However, as time has passed, and as we are all becoming more aware of how to compose ourselves and act to reduce infection rates, restrictions are being lifted and those of us who own or run restaurants are beginning to be able to consider opening back up. But what can you do to help your business to thrive during these still difficult times? Here are a few tips and tricks to take into consideration!

Consider Your Financial Situation

Before you open back up, you need to consider your financial situation in an honest and realistic light. Many businesses simply do not have the funds to set themselves back up and clear their debts through operations having been closed for so long. You may need to come up with a realistic plan when it comes to clearing any pandemic caused debts and determine whether continuing is a realistic and profitable option. Effective debt resolution may be possible. Only you will be able to tell, as each restaurant’s situation is truly unique.

Continue Alternative Services

Throughout the pandemic, many restaurants have taken to providing alternative services to customers in a bid to continue making money. If you’ve been offering takeaway or delivery services successfully, continue to offer these services. Some customers may not yet be ready to head to dine in restaurants and this is a good way to continue generating profits from stay at home customers.

Make Your Restaurant Compliant

Of course, if you reopen, you’re going to have to plan social distancing and other measures to reduce the spread of Covid effectively. Reduce the number of tables in your restaurant to ensure they can all be spaced at least two metres apart. Purchase social distancing floor stickers, to indicate to customers how far they should be standing apart from others in areas where they are likely to queue. Invest in bulk buy hand sanitiser so customers and staff can regularly clean their hands. Make sure menus are laminated so they can be wiped down between uses, or paper so they can be recycled each time.

These are just a few different ideas to take into consideration when it comes to helping your restaurant to thrive now that measures are being lifted and you are more free to open your premises again. Hopefully, some of the advice will come in useful for you!

Note: This is a collaborative post.