6 SIMPLE STEPS TO PUT YOUR CAFÉ IN POLE POSITION AT THE START LINE

07.05.20
Zest Coffee

READY FOR THE RE-OPENING?

We’re in a critical week with talk of relaxing restrictions abounding. Will it be tomorrow ? Or Monday? What will the new rules be? While there are still plenty of uncertainties and unknowns, one thing is certain… As café owners and businesses in the hospitality arena, we need to be poised for action so that when that starting gun sounds, we’re in pole position to get ahead in the race.

We would like to share some thoughts and ideas on what we need to be concentrating on as the days to the reopening of the economy count down.

 

  • FINANCIAL FITNESS

As business owners considering a new chapter and a perhaps a new norm, we need to have a firm grip on our financial position. What is our actual cash position? What is owed to us and what do we owe? What money do we have in the bank or lines of credit we can draw on? Work on your P&L and try to forecast how you business will perform in the post pandemic world. Plot your P&L on an excel spreadsheet exploring different scenarios and business plans over the coming months. Include any government assistance and JobKeeper subsidies as you try to predict your profitability. Having a clear view of your current financial fitness will prevent any false-starts in the new race.

 

  • MENU & SERVICE OFFERINGS – YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Now is the time to review our menus and the way we do business and adapt to the opportunities that will present themselves as restrictions are relaxed. Will you need to simplify your menu? People will probably still be crowd-shy and will look for quick service and easy options. Will you just o take-away or will you have some tables for dine-in? Will you offer a home delivery service? This week we need to answer these questions so that we are ready to move forward with our ‘ducks in a row’ when the right time comes.

 

  • MAKING YOUR VENUE ‘COVID-SAFE’ & GIVING CUSTOMER’S CONFIDENCE

As the hospitality industry reopens so will our competition. There will once again be a myriad of choices for our patrons. Post-Covid behaviour will see people shopping where they feel most confident and safe. Remove the clutter, create open space, have clear directions and signage, and have someone very visually constantly cleaning touch points and greeting customers with a smile. Make sure your food and beverage items are well displayed and easy to access. For more ideas please download our Covid-Safe Café checklist HERE

 

  • CHECKING YOUR EQUIPMENT TO AVOID START-UP HICCUPS

When equipment such as the coffee machine has been shut down for a while, problems such as calcified solenoids can eventuate. The last thing you need is technical issues on your morning of reopening. So, turn your equipment back on early, make a couple of coffees and ensure everything is running perfectly. Now’s also the time to check stocks of ingredients and consumables – you want to be up and running as fast as you can without unnecessary distractions.

 

  • STAFF
    Re-opening will mean re-staffing, make a special effort to show your old staff how grateful you are to have them back and talk to them about how their loyalty will be rewarded when things get better. Also consider the possibility of inductions for new staff and introducing new cleaning protocol. Your staff must be COVID-19 sensitive and practice proper safety and social conduct.

 

 

  • ADVERTISING THAT YOU’RE OPEN

Be the first to make it widely and clearly known that you’re open. Give loyal customers a heads-up of your intentions on social media. Shout the message on clear signage. And when the day come, throw open the doors widely and turn on every light in the place. Will you consider some local radio or television advertising to get you off to a flying start? Whatever you do, be bold in letting the world know that you’re back with a bang!

 

You’re the best on the blocks so be positive, be proactive and be positioned for success. The team at Zest wish you all the best and are at the ready to help you in any way we can.

Here’s one last gesture of our goodwill for your success. Download our Covid-Safe Procedures and Signage Pack HERE to make your life a little easier in preparing your venue for the good times just ahead.