On April 21, Reed Haggerty, COO of DSquared Hospitality and I discussed what it’ll take to create a safe, communal, and memorable experience for guests. Here's the full discussion:
People are looking forward to gathering again. At the same time, they’re nervous and wondering, ‘will it feel the same’? As leaders, the best way to instill confidence with your customers and your staff is to make sure what you say is demonstrated in your actions.
“It’s not what happened. It’s how you react to what happened!”
Here’s a checklist to help you prepare your return to events.
Everyone -- including prospects, clients, employees, suppliers, and local officials -- should know how you’re taking care of their safety. Also don’t just explain it on your website, show them how you’re doing it on social media, flyers, etc.
Areas to consider
Try not to do too much, too quickly. Your customers will appreciate your thoughtfully limiting selection and recommendation of more staff for their safety. While it’s important to be empathetic to your customers’ own budget, suggest shifting budget in headcount to book enough staff.
Areas to consider
Consider evolving your menu and service offerings to maintain a higher level of hygiene. This includes:
You’ll likely need to change your staffing ratios to accommodate higher sanitation standards. By planning this ahead of time, you can more accurately budget in your sales calls now.
Areas to consider
Consider how you can up level food safety and hygiene standards in the BOH.
Areas to consider
Those attending the webinar shared they plan on making the following changes.
This is just the start. As we see testing for viruses or antibodies become available, there may be additional measures you’ll want to include. Having these pieces in place now makes you more able to take advantage of future advancements.
We’re in it together!