Navigating the Post-COVID Dining Landscape. As the world emerges from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, particularly those in the food service sector, are grappling with a changed landscape. Canada, with its vibrant dining culture, is seeing franchise restaurants pivot and adapt, implementing strategies to cater to the ‘new normal’. Here’s how they’re doing it.Â
Table of Contents
Safety First: Reinforcing Health Protocols
In the wake of the pandemic, safety has taken center stage. Contactless Dining: Many franchises are now offering QR code menus, contactless payment options, and even contactless seating arrangements to minimize physical touchpoints. Enhanced Sanitation: Regular deep cleaning, especially in high-contact areas, has become standard. Hand sanitizers at entrances and periodic staff health checks are also common sights.
Diversifying Revenue Streams
With uncertainties lingering, franchises are exploring various avenues to boost their revenue. Delivery & Takeout: While many franchises already offered these services, there’s been a marked emphasis on improving and promoting delivery and takeout options. Pop-Up Kitchens: Some brands are leveraging unused commercial spaces or partnering with existing businesses to set up temporary kitchens catering to specific localities.
Embracing Technology: Digital is the Way Forward
The post-COVID world has accelerated digital adoption like never before. Virtual Events: Cooking classes, virtual wine tastings, and online workshops are ways franchises engage with customers and drive sales.
Loyalty Apps: Many franchises are launching or enhancing their mobile apps, incentivizing digital orders, and offering loyalty points to encourage repeat business.
Reimagining Spaces and Experiences
The dining experience post-COVID is not just about food; it’s about creating a safe and enjoyable environment.
Outdoor Dining: Patios, rooftops, and open-air settings are in demand. Franchises are optimizing such spaces for a pleasant and socially distanced dining experience.
Private Dining Pods: Some innovative franchises have introduced private dining pods or cabins, offering an exclusive and isolated dining experience.
St. Louis Wings: Leading the Way in Adapting
St. Louis Wings, a renowned name in the Canadian culinary scene, is a prime example of adaptability. Beyond their famed wings, they have shown resilience and innovation in their approach to the post-COVID world. From seamless takeout options to ensuring every diner feels safe in their premises, St. Louis Wings is a testament to how franchises can flourish even in challenging times. Their franchising opportunities are now more enticing than ever, especially for those looking to be a part of a forward-thinking and adaptive brand.
Conclusion: Resilience and Reimagination in the Dining Sector
The post-COVID era is undeniably challenging, but it has also ushered in a wave of innovation and adaptability. Canadian franchise restaurants, with their diverse strategies and customer-centric approaches, are not just surviving but setting new industry standards. As diners, it’s a transformed world out there, and as investors or franchisees, there’s never been a more exciting time to dive in.
