Regional shelter-in-place restrictions are lifting, and restaurants are once again welcoming customers into their dining rooms and patios. Restaurants may be salivating over the return of dine-in revenue, but the competition for attracting guests during this transitional time will also pose new challenges. We recently conducted a survey of select members to gain a better
Survey results: Consumers seek safety and socialization at restaurants in wake of COVID-19
Coronavirus era: Marketing your restaurant in a limited capacity world
Restaurants across the country are slowly opening their doors again with a slew of limited-capacity guidelines and restrictions in place. From social distancing tables and having employees and guests wear masks, to removing dense traffic areas (like salad bars and buffets), to temperature-checking patrons as they walk in, the checklist varies for each city and
Marketing tactics for restaurants during coronavirus
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has ignited many challenges for the restaurant industry. From having to close dine-in service and maneuver to a takeout/delivery model, to beginning the unpredictable process of reopening and rehiring, many owners are employing creative marketing strategies to help soften the financial blows that restaurants are experiencing during coronavirus. Take a
Opening your doors for dine-in service during COVID-19
As shelter-in-place orders lift, restaurants throughout parts of the country are reopening their doors for dine-in service. But as you know, dine-in service in the coronavirus era is far from “business as usual” as there are various expectations that need to be set, guidelines that need to be communicated, and parameters that need to be
How restaurants can successfully reopen in the coronavirus era
As various states begin to discuss lifting shelter-in-place orders, it’s imperative for restaurant owners to be prepared to open their doors in the near future. Prior to when restaurants reopen and patrons arrive for dine-in services, it’s a good idea to understand the industry landscape, revenue opportunities, and how to set your restaurant apart from
Restaurant takeout and delivery safety tips in the coronavirus era
Restaurants may be closed to dine-in customers, but many remain open for takeout or delivery orders. In this time of uncertainty, many people are wondering, “Just how safe is takeout?” Fortunately, there is no evidence of the coronavirus being transmitted by food or food packaging. This means that it is highly unlikely someone can catch
Coronavirus era: how to adapt your restaurant business model
At Rewards Network, nothing matters more to us than our customers. We’re in constant contact with the thousands of restaurants in our network—absorbing their challenges, offering insight, and celebrating their innovations. We’re also closely following their successes so we can gain a better understanding of what strategies are working today. In a time where business
Navigating food delivery & third-party apps during COVID-19
As the coronavirus continues to force people to stay in their homes, many businesses are taking a hard economic hit—especially restaurants. The coronavirus has closed the doors of restaurants across the U.S., at least for dine-in. As restaurants scramble to navigate the process of transitioning to 100-percent takeout and delivery orders, we’re here to help
How to receive 100% Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is now live, as are the loans and grants featured in the bill. One of the most-anticipated loans for small business owners, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, is 100% forgivable—if you closely follow the rules laid out in the bill. There have been many questions
COVID-19 Emergency Loan Guide
The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act earmarked $349 billion in aid for small businesses, including restaurants, to help them keep the lights on, stay current on bills, and pay and employ their valuable staff. We have prepared this guide to help walk you through two of the Act’s main
