On March 11, 2020, the world as we know it changed forever. This was the day the World Health Organization declared the novel Coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. In an effort to control the spread of the virus, economies around the world went into hibernation mode. Shutdowns and face masks became the new norm. Schools closed and many hospitals were at max capacity. Sadly, small businesses and those in the hospitality industry weren’t immune to the negative fallout of Covid-19.
While most restaurants and cafes were forced to close their doors temporarily, some never reopened. In the month of March alone, the UK’s bar sales dipped an alarming 60% and restaurants weren’t far behind with a 56.4% decline. In an effort to slowly lift lockdown restrictions and save nearly 3.5 million jobs in the hospitality industry alone, Boris Johnson is allowing restaurants, pubs, and cafes to reopen with restrictions. Johnson has introduced a three-tier lockdown initiative to help boost the economy while also controlling the spread of Covid-19.
While some businesses view these restrictions as a hindrance, others are taking advantage of the unique opportunity to expand business in new and creative ways. With outdoor dining leading the way, restaurants and cafes are growing not just their seating areas but also their income.
The Current State of Covid-19
At the time of this writing, nearly 8 months after the Coronavirus turned the hospitality industry on its head, the UK is still trying to regain its footing. The most recent update was delivered by Johnson on October 12 when he announced his three-tier lockdown plan to reopen businesses and breathe new life into the economy.
The Three-Tier Lockdown Model
These three tiers are labeled medium, high, and very high. Areas with higher than average infection rates will experience tighter restrictions. The medium tier applies to a majority of the UK and has been in place since mid-September. This tier includes the rule of six (gathering in groups of no more than six people) and a 10:00 p.m. curfew. This curfew applies to all pubs and restaurants. The next tier, or the high tier, strongly advises against meeting people outside of your immediate household. People are also encouraged to reduce travel at this tier. The very high tier applies to areas where the number of cases are rapidly increasing. In high tier status all pubs and restaurants are closed and mingling with those outside your household is strictly forbidden (even outdoors). The caveat here is that pubs which operate as restaurants (or serve customers what’s considered a substantial meal), can remain open.
Specific Restrictions for Restaurants and Pubs
Restrictions on pubs and restaurants were first introduced on September 24, with one of the biggest impacts being a closing curfew of 10:00 p.m. While seating and serving people indoors must stop at 10:00 p.m., establishments are still allowed to offer delivery services. All venues are also permitted to offer table service as long as they’re providing guests with substantial meals. Pubs and other venues that are licensed to serve alcohol can only do so using table service. This rule is designed to prevent large groups of people from gathering and mingling at the bar. No establishment is allowed to book reservations or seat parties of more than six people.
All hospitality staff and guests are required to wear a mask. Masks must be worn at all times unless guests are seated at a table, engaged in eating or drinking. Restaurants and pubs must also collect customers’ contact information to facilitate contact tracing in the event of an outbreak. There are fines in place for any establishment that fails to adhere to these guidelines, as well as mask fines for both staff and patrons who fail to comply.
How to Achieve Success Despite the Restrictions
There’s no denying that the recent restrictions placed on the hospitality industry have had long-term, negative effects. Covid-19 has made life difficult for millions of patrons and business owners across the world. But how have some establishments not just survived the financial impacts of the virus but actually flourished in light of the restrictions? Two words – innovation and tenacity. Instead of viewing these restrictions as a hindrance, some businesses are capitalizing on the opportunity to expand their resources and create new ways of bringing in revenue.
Outdoor Dining Increases Visibility
What do you do when you can’t serve customers inside your establishment? Take things outdoors, of course! Outdoor dining is strongly encouraged in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. It allows for adequate airflow and proper social distancing, reducing the risk of spread.
Does your restaurant or pub have a nice patio area? Can your walkway double as an outdoor cafe? If you’ve never served patrons outside, now’s the time. Create a picturesque outdoor seating area that allows patrons to enjoy their food and drink in a safe and pleasant environment. This also increases visibility for your business. Everyone who walks by will take notice. People who maybe didn’t notice your establishment before can’t help but notice now as they see happy, smiling customers enjoying a delicious meal outside. Plus, not all businesses have the luxury of moving diners outside. If you have the space, it’s in your best interest to utilize it. Even small sections of your parking lot can easily double as a welcoming outdoor eating area when designed right.
Accommodating Customer Safety and Comfort Levels
Some people are still hesitant to venture out, even with safety guidelines and measures in place. But many are more comfortable with outdoor gatherings. Restaurants and pubs that only offer indoor seating following the rule of six are seeing a greater decrease in sales than those who utilize their outdoor space.
Numerous health professionals and organizations have explained why outside dining and social distancing is a safer, healthier way to interact. Fresh air is constantly moving. As it does, potentially infected droplets are dispersed, making it less likely that you’ll breathe them in or potentially become infected with Covid-19.
Being outdoors is also proven to boost your mood and increase your positive outlook during difficult times, like in the face of the recent pandemic. People, by nature, are social creatures. Months of being locked down has had disastrous effects on people’s mental and physical health. Restaurants and pubs that offer outdoor seating are offering more than just good food and drink. They’re delivering an entire experience and an escape from isolation in a safe, comfortable atmosphere.
Broaden Your Money Making Horizons
A positive attitude goes a long way in life. Not just personally but professionally as well. Instead of folding underneath the guidelines and restrictions of Covid-19 it’s time to embrace them. To get creative and innovative with your business and money making techniques.
Double Your Revenue by Doubling Your Seating
The easiest way to increase business and revenue while still adhering to local guidelines and restrictions is by creating a new outdoor dining area – or expanding your existing one. Both restaurants and pubs can capitalize on this opportunity to boost business. If you already have an outdoor dining area, increase the size by adding more tables or expanding the parameters. Establishments without outside seating can get creative by adding tables to the storefront or sides of the building. Is your space limited? No problem! You can still create a small, intimate dining area for guests to enjoy good food, drinks, and company. Investing in renovations and refurbishments now will serve you well into the future.
There’s no rule against still offering indoor seating as well. As long as your establishment follows the guidelines of wearing masks, social distancing, and not booking parties larger than six people, you can now serve customers both inside and out. That means increased capacity and increased revenue. You can now accommodate more customers at once, increasing your profit and the number of guests you serve on any given day.
Offer Additional Services
Expanding your seating isn’t the only way to boost business during Covid-19. Why not expand your services as well? If your restaurant never offered delivery before, now’s the time. Stay-at-home orders and lockdown restrictions are forcing thousands of Brits to remain at home and indoors. According to Restaurant Business Online, 42% of restaurants have added delivery to the list of services they offer. Now, you can serve those loyal customers who aren’t yet comfortable with venturing outdoors.
Pubs that once only served alcohol can (and should) add food items to their menus. This is advantageous since pubs that serve what’s considered “a substantial meal” have more freedom than those that just serve alcoholic beverages. They are then considered a restaurant and can remain open if and when pubs and bars are placed on lockdown. This venture might involve renovating your current space by adding a kitchen or cook prep area. The investment in a minor buildout will be well worth the increased revenue you’ll see both now and into the future.
The Benefits Don’t End There
While Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions are (hopefully) temporary, the benefits you’ll experience from expanding your horizons and renovating your business will continue long into the future. Not all hospitality establishments are making the shift to outdoor dining or increased services. Making these adjustments gives you a legup on the competition. While you’re experiencing increased revenue, foot traffic, and visibility, your competitors could be closing their doors. The inability to adjust with the times and capitalize on the opportunity to expand your services could be the difference between surviving the Coronavirus pandemic and crumbling.
Once the lockdown restrictions are lifted, it doesn’t mean you have to return to business as usual. In fact, you shouldn’t! Continue to utilize your outdoor eating area, delivery services, and other renovated or redesigned spaces. With increased floor space and more to offer customers, you may find yourself in a better financial situation now than before the pandemic hit. Continue to offer outdoor seating and entertainment that draws crowds (of acceptable size) and increases visibility. Pubs that now offer food should continue to do so. You’ll attract more guests looking for a delicious snack to compliment their beverage. Delivery is another convenient and safe option – and another way for you to bring in more business and income.
Life After Covid-19: Experience Continued Success
They say when the world gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Advantageous and innovative business owners can still succeed in light of the recent pandemic and all the restrictions that come along with it. The hospitality industry was hit hard. Months of closures and lockdowns made it nearly impossible for some businesses to stay afloat. But for those who have, it’s all about capitalizing on the opportunities presented to you and using them to their fullest advantage. Expanding outdoor eating areas and services now will generate continued income and revenue into the future.
Our professionals have years of experience in commercial construction and shopfitting. We can take your current space and renovate or refurbish it to accommodate more customers and expanded services. We can also help design and survey a completely new area. With your vision and our industry expertise, we can not only help your business survive life after Covid, but thrive.