Business Unusual – Danny Meyer talks restaurant industry, JK Consulting Offers Tips For Restaurant Owners

JK Consulting Offers Tips For Restaurant Owners

Many restaurant owners have been asking us what they should do during this most difficult and challenging time. With already high rents and labor costs, our ability to be profitable has always been tough. Now, with Covid-19, we have to ask ourselves what action must be taken in order to insure what is best for both our employees and our business?

The following are some suggestions:

Ask yourself, is it worth staying open?

You have to calculate if it is worth it for your business to stay open; you must bear in mind the expenses of Rent, Utilities, Labor and of course, Food. Without enough sales coming in from delivery and takeout, it might not be worth it.

If the answer is yes, please proceed:

1. Changing your Model

For those who weren’t doing much take out or delivery before, you must now do additional work in order to convert your restaurant into a strictly takeout and/ or delivery model.  It will be necessary to create special menus that appeal to the masses. A suggestion would be to provide meal kits with both heating and serving instructions; these may be easier to streamline and can also be offered for purchase in bulk.

2. Consolidate

Shrinking both your Menu and Labor go hand in hand. With a smaller menu, you will reduce your operating expenses.  This, in turn, will reduce the amount of inventory you must purchase; yet, bear in mind that you will go through your stock at a much faster rate.

3. Advertise

Make sure people know what you are doing. Use social media and also, contact your local representatives; this will spread the word to people for they need to know that you are both open and ready for business!

4. Give back

Giving back to the community by donating food; this isn’t just emotionally rewarding, it’s also good business. Contact local hospitals and first responders and offer to provide food for those who are taking care of us.