A Long Recovery: Restaurants Coping With The Impact COVID-19

By Stephen Bergeron, V.P. of Sales & Marketing North America, APG Cash Drawer

Restaurants are reopening in states that were hit hard with COVID-19 restrictions. Social-distancing policies are not allowing restaurants to return to pre-pandemic operation levels, in most cases they are being forced to function at no more than 50% capacity.

Restaurants still must contend with patron fears of being too close to other customers because of the virus. With some creativity and help from municipal authorities, restaurants were able to convert portions of parking lots and sidewalks into dining areas, allowing them to increase seating while following social distancing guidelines.

Some hospitality businesses pivoted quickly, promoting the purchase of gift cards and encouraging customers to use online ordering for curbside service options such as GrubHub, DoorDash or UberEats. Changes in state and local regulations enabled curbside pickup of beer and wine, which helped local restaurants maintain sales. 

Despite all these efforts, restaurants – both chain and independents – have been hit hard by the pandemic.