Protecting your business during lockdown:
Three tips that could help you through tough times.

We know that the foodservice industry is facing tough times and that we are all having to adapt quickly to an ever changing situation.

We wanted to reassure you that we are doing everything in our power at our Americana bakeries to support you during this time.

But in the meantime, following the government’s enforced closure of foodservice outlets, with rent and overheads still to pay, we wanted to share with you three ideas for changing up your business model to help ensure some cash flow during these uncertain times:

#1 Shape a strong alternative takeaway offer

With the country largely confined to their homes, the demand for takeaway is at an all-time high, so consider swapping your dine in offering for one that can be enjoyed at home, by adults and children alike.

Review your menu to see which dishes or products could easily convert to a takeaway offering and don’t forget you can still upsell drinks and sides along with the main meal.

Think about what times your outlet is traditionally at its busiest and look to ensure your takeaway offering is available during these peak periods. Remember that many children will now be staying at home, being home-schooled and potentially craving a meal from outside their parents’ repertoire.

Most people primarily associate ‘takeaway’ with lunch or dinner, but who says it can’t be brunch or coffee with a Danish Pastry? Think creatively and be sure to include not only your classics, but also the healthy alternatives.

It’s also worth looking into a local delivery service, either independently or by teaming up with existing providers.

#2 Create a pop-up shop

The current circumstances mean that for now you can’t operate in the same way as you previously did. But as the community pulls together and larger retail stores continue to be overwhelmed by the increased numbers of shoppers, turning your outlet into a local convenience store is one way to help consumers keep their fridges and cupboards stocked, whilst also maintaining a level of cash flow.

Stocking essentials including bread, baguettes and paninis as well as milk, tinned and ambient products and fresh fruit and veg will help customers find what they need locally. They will be grateful for the additional availability of food and can help to build continued customer loyalty.

In addition, consider the viability of offering a delivery service for essentials for those in the community who are unable or have been advised not to leave their homes. Offering drop offs outside your opening hours will help increase the amount of customer you can reach.

#3 Reach out to your local community

Whilst many consumers are working and learning from home, some businesses are unable to close, so reach out directly to your local community to let them know you are offering takeaway or setting up a pop-up shop.

GP surgeries, construction sites and support services will still be open and they will likely be grateful to know about the availability of food in their local area. Whether it’s for lunch, an afternoon treat or picking up a takeaway for families on their way home.
As the community pulls together and larger retail stores continue to be overwhelmed by the increased numbers of shoppers, turning your outlet into a local convenience store is one way to help consumers keep their fridges and cupboards stocked, whilst also maintaining a level of cash flow. You might want to consider offering burger buns as an alternative to bread? Or selling any fresh fruit and vegetables, which otherwise would have been used in drinks or salads?

Communicating the message is key, so use social media or print a few flyers to post within the community.

Of course, during this time it’s vitally important to communicate your offering, so take advantage of all the communication channels available to you. In addition to your website, make sure all social media platforms have been updated. If you have VIP-customers or a database, send special offers directly via email. Ensure you include links to your website or menu and that your social media posts include strong photography.

If you haven’t offered takeaway before, ensure you shout about it. Perhaps you offer the best burger in town? Well, now it can be enjoyed at home…

It’s also worth championing the fact you are fully compliant with all the advice on minimising the spread of infection

• Take all payments by card or MobilePay instead of cash. In this way, your customer can completely avoid getting in touch with money, your staff and other visitors.
• Designate a low risk area for handover of the food.
• Place a bottle of hand sanitizer at the entrance of your café or restaurant and ask your customers to keep a safe distance from one another whilst waiting for their food.
• Share a picture of how you use gloves when preparing food and work around your kitchens
  
  

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