Foodservice operators across the globe have no doubt felt the impact of COVID-19. The foodservice industry has always taken extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of their customers. In this blog, we discuss seven things foodservice operators can do in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Offer Gift Cards and Discounts To Be Used When Business Returns To Normal
Gift cards are a win: win for foodservice operators and their customers. By utilizing gift cards foodservice operators are able to continue to maintain cashflow in their operations and customers are able to use their gift cards when eat-in dining returns to normal. Gift card sales are especially important for foodservice establishments that do not have the capacity to offer carryout or delivery service. Another great option for foodservice establishments is to offer discounts and deals to incentivize purchase. Offering an “Order now, get your next order 5% off” discount is a great way to encourage returning customers and repeat orders.
- Make Sure You Are Up-To-Date On Food Safety Measures
In these unprecedented times in our city, state, and country food safety measures are constantly being evaluated and revised. Remember to ensure that your foodservice establishment is up to code. Don’t sacrifice food safety with the unexpected changes in foodservice today. As processes are continuing to change, it’s important now more than ever for food to be safe. Keep your process effective and efficient with your food uncontaminated with proper food safety procedures.
Follow the USDA’s Recommendations for Proper Food Safety:
- Clean – Wash hands and all surfaces often
- Separate – Don’t cross-contaminate
- Cook – Cook to proper temperatures, checking with a food thermometer
- Chill – Refrigerate promptly
- Service Old And Heavily Used Equipment
If your foodservice operation has slowed down or if you have a limited menu and aren’t utilizing all of your kitchen equipment, now might be a good time to service old or heavily used equipment Dine Company offers technical support including restaurant equipment parts and services for all our customers in the foodservice industry. Dine Company offers shop service at our convenient Kentuckiana location. Customers can drop off equipment for bench service on small countertop equipment as well as extensive repairs on larger kitchen including slicers, mixers, ovens, fryers, bar equipment and more. We understand you need prompt, dependable service to get your kitchen equipment operational.
We offer a free diagnosis of equipment up to 30 minutes to determine if the piece of equipment is worth repairing or should be purchased new. We charge only $75 per shop hour plus parts for drop off equipment repairs. We are able to order and receive most parts the next day! Once parts are installed we offer a 90-day warranty on the repairs made.
If you need rental equipment to hold you over while your repair is being completed, ask a product specialist about our available rental equipment. For more information or to contact our commercial foodservice equipment repair and installation experts today at 502-637-3232 to find out how we can help you.
- Check Smallwares Inventory
Because all sit-down foodservice operations have been shut-down or severely restricted now is a great time to evaluate your front-of-house smallwares. Are you short on cutlery, glassware or dinnerware? Take note of products that you are short on so that when your business returns to normal you know exactly what you need to purchase to operate at full capacity.
- Catch Up On Preventative Maintenance Checks
Ignoring daily cleaning and periodic inspections of your equipment can result in poor performance or very costly repair bills. Now is a great time to catch-up on the preventative maintenance checks you might have overlooked. Check wire shelving in your kitchen, walk-in or janitorial closets for chipping, damage, and rust. Be sure to also check your front-of-house furniture for wobbly legs and table bases, chips, dents or scratches in wooden chairs or tables, and for wearing and tearing of fabrics and leather.
The experts at Dine Company can assist you with free advice and the best products needed to keep your equipment in tip-top shape. Whether your equipment is 10 years old or still under warranty, preventative maintenance will extend its life and performance.
- Utilize Social Media
Whether you are showing off a behind-the-scenes look at your foodservice establishment, are spotlighting your employees, or encouraging customers to share pictures of their carry-out or delivery meals its important to utilize social media. Not only is social media a great way to market your brand, but it is also a great tool to share company updates as COVID-19 affects your foodservice establishment.
- Refresh your interior and exterior
Now might be a great time to touch up paint or deep clean the interior and exterior of your restaurant. Customers are going to want to see what updates you have made since everyone has been out. When dining-in returns to normal, customers are going to expect restaurants to be as clean as if it was opening for the first time. Maintain a high perception with customers by making sure your foodservice establishment is spotless.
