COVID 19 - What I Would Do If I Owned A Restaurant

Times are extremely difficult for the restaurant space right now. The fight to keep the doors open once the world resets is a real concern. I have a close connection to the industry in Calgary and it hurts to watch what's happening. After spending over 9 years running digital marketing for a large restaurant group and knowing multiple restaurant owners around the city I wanted to try and provide some value.

Below are some high level thoughts on what I would do if I owned a local spot:

1) Be on camera every day sharing my story. Updates on delivery, pickup or any other sales opportunities. Talk about memories, funny customer stories or staff moments, concerns, hidden gems in the neighborhood, staff shout outs and local initiatives that have caught my eye.

2) Allow a team member to take over the social accounts for a few days.

3) Post old photos showing construction, events, menus, customers and staff.

4) Curate Instagram music posts that represent the brand.

5) Build out a re marketing campaign based on web site traffic and social interactions.

6) Showcase the people who continue to order from the business.

7) Ask the audience about R&D ideas for future menu changes. Polls and questions.

8) Go live on Instagram and Facebook and get customers to request to join the stream. "Customer Pints"...a conversation with the people we love.

9) Partner with local breweries to create a special delivery package. "Burger and a Sixer"

10) Educate and entertain with food and drink expertise. The perfect pour, the ultimate happy hour drink stuck at home, the best grilled cheese, the 5 essentials in the liquor cabinet for a pandemic, life changing guac, daily wine and beer tasting, etc.

Restaurants have two potential moves right now. Spread the word about delivery options or dig into brand. Each business will have its own unique hurdles and some of these ideas obviously won't work. The goal is to push creativity and go all in on brand.