Risk Control Resources for Restaurants

Restaurants

You own and operate a restaurant. It’s not an easy line of work – the industry depends on consumer tastes and seasonal trends. But you know that when a town offers a variety of eatery options, it’s healthier. It’s at restaurants, cafes, bars and delis that relationships are forged, business gets conducted and memories are made. A community that shares experiences thrives and strives together. So when a pandemic interrupts how you contribute to your community, it gets a little tough. But it’s not as tough on the community as it is on you.

When you must temporarily close your restaurant, you feel pressure to consider alternatives and prepare to re-open quickly. Here are some ideas to help spark some ideas:

Different revenue streams

Different revenue streams - Your business might have alternative opportunities.

Use unused resources to prepare meals for local charities to feed no income families or school-aged children
Partner with youth organizations to offer take home meals as a fundraiser
Revise your menu for delivery or curbside services

New operations protocols

New operations protocols – Creating a safe environment means updating your customer service protocols and employee safety procedures

Develop a response plan, including de-escalation techniques
Identify and enforce disinfecting protocol
Set up social distancing
Provide personal protection equipment (PPE) with instructions for how to use them properly
Identify and enforce safe food handling procedures
Establish daily self-screening procedures and expectations
Communicate with and train your employees

Customer protections

Customer protections – Your goal is to create a normal environment where customers feel comfortable and safe.

Create contactless order, payment and serving options
Limit the number of guests you serve at one time
Post signs that clearly state your personal protection policy (i.e. masks, capacity, directions and so on)
Reconsider guest traffic patterns
Set up dining space to safely social distance customers and wait staff, including outdoor seating options
Set up a waiting area that discourages guest clusters

Roles and responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities – Everyone plays a role in safety and success when it comes to restaurants.

Clarify roles and specify responsibilities (i.e. only bussers clear tables; hostesses only seat customers and handle water glasses and so on)
Identify a worksite supervisor to ensure employees appropriately apply and follow safety protocols

Host Station

Wait Staff

Busser

Kitchen Staff