Reinventing the Wheel: Restaurant Pivoting in a Time of Turmoil
Posted on: February 10, 2021 by RMS Hospitality

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and this past year has undoubtedly demonstrated how true this is for restaurant owners. Rather than shutting down their businesses, dining establishment managers got creative. If clients in your restaurant insurance program are still struggling to stay afloat, here are some ideas for restaurant pivoting you can share with them that may help them through this period of continued turmoil and uncertainty.
Restructure Restaurant Offerings
For restaurant pivoting to be successful, they may need to revamp their menus. Some business owners simplified their offerings to make it easier to switch from dine-in to carryout, curbside pickup, and delivery models. Others have taken a different approach and beefed up their menu selections, providing customers with the option to pick and choose from among a selection of entrees, sides, and beverages.
Move Outside
When indoor dining is limited, your clients may be able to move their dining facilities outdoors. Even businesses that do not already have an outdoor seating area can make this change. Instead of investing in an expensive remodel, most establishments are simply converting part of their parking lots into a dining area. Canopies, tents, and heating lamps can all be used to keep the doors open during inclement weather.
Let Customers Do the Cooking
Another option for restaurant owners is to create meal kits. Instead of serving only prepared food, they can offer kits containing all of the ingredients needed to make dishes off their menus. A few things they need to keep in mind if they decide to add these to their menu are:
- Make sure that meals are easy for customers to make. Prep time should take no more than an hour.
- Offer kits that are within the theme of their restaurant.
- Carefully consider ingredients needed, as any perishable goods are potential liability concerns.
- Consider adding meal kits as a delivery option.
As your clients shift to different food service models, it’s important to make sure that any changes they make adhere to their restaurant insurance requirements.
Provide Grocery Items
One particularly interesting pivot involves distributors and restaurant owners. Dine-in restrictions are having a significant impact on the volume of business, so owners are boosting their sales by offering grocery items. They work with their distributors to obtain a variety of supplies, including necessities such as toilet paper. Many businesses offer local produce, dairy products, and specialty goods as well.
Customers can shop for these items while waiting for carryout or have them delivered right to their door along with their delivery order. These pop-up grocery stores have proven to be a big success in some areas. They not only boost restaurant sales, but they also provide a convenient service that supports local communities.
About RMS Hospitality Group
At RMS Hospitality Group, our expertly crafted policies are written specifically for the hospitality industry. We offer custom tailored solutions to meet any venue’s specific needs. For more information, contact our knowledgeable experts today at (888) 359-8390.
Posted in: Restaurant Insurance
Archives
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
Categories
- Adult Nightclub
- Assault & Battery Insurance
- blog
- Comedy Club Insurance
- Completed Operations
- Franchise Select
- Hospitality Insurance
- Insurance
- Jazz Club
- Liquor Liability
- Live Music Venue
- Lounges
- Nightclub Insurance
- Press Release
- Pub Insurance
- Restaurant Insurance
- Sports Bar Insurance
- Tavern
- Tavern Insurance
- Uncategorized
- workers compensation