- Lowering food prices / Coming up with food promotions.
Most people are working from home and they may prefer preparing their own meals instead of ordering takeaway or deliveries. As the economy is shaken due to COVID-19, many have become more frugal and may not spend as much as they used to, especially on food.
Customers usually dine in restaurants for their cosy or lovely ambience with their family, friends or loved ones. While dine-in is temporarily banned, lowering food prices increases the likelihood of customers buying food from them when such privilege is eliminated. Coming up with promotion bundles can also attract customers to purchase in bulk as they feel that the promotions are cost- savings, thus restaurants can also receive huge sales from it.
- Cut down production costs
Restaurants should make changes to their orders judging based on their profit during this period. The prediction can serve as a benchmark for managers to control their stock or production costs. If they know a certain dish or ingredient runs out quickly due to high popularity, they can purchase the specific ingredients in bulk, thus increasing the overall cost efficiency.
- Partnerships for Online Takeaway / Delivery
Restaurants taking in takeaway/delivery through calls or whatsapp can also consider partnering online takeaway or delivery platforms where apps users and customers base are huge. This also helps to promote their restaurant on the app as well. Restaurant owners may also want to take into consideration the commission rate of various third party platforms and compare their rates detailedly to ensure that the third-party company does not take a lion’s share out of their meagre profits. Else, it would defeat the whole idea/purpose. Alternatively, restaurants can also choose to come up with their own online platform for takeaway and deliveries on their website. But, do keep in mind that the customer base would be smaller compared to well-known food takeaway and delivery companies or mobile ordering.
