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Covid could change the future of drive-thru service

Covid could change the future of drive-thru service at popular fast food restaurants.

Despite the percentage of Americans being vaccinated rising each day, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that the pandemic likely changed various customer behaviors for good. For example, the National Restaurant Association reports that off-premises sales have remained at all-time highs despite a downswing in COVID cases.

Another change is that COVID-19 has shifted consumer habits and more people are opting to stay in their car for pick-up. Not only staying in the car, but opting for the least amount of contact with fast food employees as possible. That means awareness of sanitary practices remains sky high, and touchless practices are going to be an important driver of consumer trust for months, if not years, to come.

One such restaurant bringing this new touchless drive thru phenomenon to life is Taco Bell. The “Taco Bell Defy” restaurant will open in the summer of 2022. With an odd resemblance to a bank branch, food is delivered from an elevated kitchen above via a proprietary lift system similar to the pneumatic tubes used by those bank branches.

There are four drive-thru lanes, three of which are dedicated to mobile or delivery orders. The entire pickup process is contactless, although two-way audio and video technology lets customers interact directly with Taco Bell employees in real time.

Taco Bell Defy restaurant coming in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota in summer of 2022. 

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How Tampa Bay Restaurants are Handling the Crackdown of COVID-19 Regulations

Many local restaurants and bars are struggling to adjust to recent regulations put in place by local governments and authorities. This fall, Governor DeSantis lifted all COVID-19 restrictions that had been put in place for businesses, leading to bars and restaurants resuming their normal operations. This included customers congregating in indoor or outdoor spaces without the use of masks or social distancing guidelines. Although, each local government has the authority to put their own rules in place. 

As the cases continued to rise, the City of Tampa decided to put these regulations back in place and start cracking down on those who violated them at the beginning of the new year. These rules include customers wearing masks at all times unless they are seated with food or drink, restricting the congregation around bars or dance floors, and tight regulations on the number of guests allowed at indoor seating areas. 

Code enforcement along with TPD officers are visiting the bars and restaurants that are most likely known to be violating these guidelines and holding large congregations of individuals. If they come across any violations of these new regulations, the businesses will receive a citation. Businesses with two or more citations are facing a trial of the suspension of their liquor license if they continue to be noncompliant with the new rules. 

There are three businesses in Tampa Bay that are being sent to trial- MacDinton’s Irish Pub, Tangra Nightclub, and Ybor Cigars Plus. They are required to go in front of city council members who ultimately have the final say over alcohol sales on the businesses’ premises. 

Although these harsh regulations and fines are making it tougher for local businesses to  get by during these hard times, Jane Castor, mayor of the City of Tampa, is doing what she thinks is right for Tampa in the long run and for the safety of all citizens. How do you think this will affect businesses and individuals? 

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Recover & Rebuild Program

tampa, covid restaurant relief

In lieu of the COVID-19 effect on restaurants and the hospitality industry not only in the nation, but worldwide, Winsight Media has created a community forum called “Recover & Rebuild”, offering businesses with resources and useful information in order to help open up their doors again in a safe and effective manner. There are many ways restaurants have been affected by the pandemic, here are some ways restaurants have been accommodating the situation.

Although some restrictions are being lifted nationwide, some states are still under strict guidelines and are being forced to adapt in order to follow these new rules. These regulations not only affect the restaurant operators, but also employees. 

Events 

The Recover & Rebuild program is offering a number of events/forums for businesses to attend in order to gain knowledge and insight on how to maintain business in the case of a crisis. One of these events is the Innovation in Foodservice Forum, a digital service exploring important innovations for these businesses as well as insights on what might be in store for them in the upcoming future. These forums include webinars like Delivering Sales-Generating Insights During the COVID-19 crisis, What Restaurant Operators Should Know about COVID-19, Think Global, Eat Local:  How Restaurant Tech Can Adapt to a Changing Landscape, and many more. They are also holding a Restaurant Recovery Summit launching on November 17th,  featuring 40+ expert restaurateur speakers and 25+ webinars. Registration for the summit is free to restaurant operators by signing up to learn more about solutions from sponsors. 

Building Community 

Not only are webinars and events being held, but Recover & Rebuild is helping to shape and bring together the restaurant community among this turmoil. A few ways they are doing so is through the creation of their facebook page, “Coronavirus in the Food & Beverage Industry”, their live blog for breaking news, information and updates on what’s happening in the National Restaurant Association, and hearing from operator peers through webinars. 

Resources 

Recover and Rebuild has also offered restaurant operators with information regarding a number of resources that they may need in order to get through these times. Some of these include the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief, James Beard Foundation, the Paycheck Protection Program, and the National Restaurant Association with the status of restaurant operations by state. 

You can access these resources and sign up for these events at https://recoverandrebuild.winsightmedia.com/#events-section 

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How Restaurants Have Been Accommodating Guests During COVID-19 Reopenings

As we know, the restaurant industry is working hard to combat the aftermath of COVID-19 isolation. The industry has led the charge back into the re-opening phases. Here are just a few of the precautions that restaurants are taking in order to protect their staff and diners from exposure.

Increased Cleanliness

Most restaurants have introduced newer enhanced safety and sanitation protocols. They are doing things like using disposable menus, using disposable silverware, and moving tables further away from each other. Additionally, some locations keep their layout the same but keep certain tables empty to ensure that guests are spaced out. Many servers wear masks for the safety of themselves and others.

Take Out

Local restaurants and chains alike are offering curbside takeout or delivery options. In a majority of Tampa restaurants, all it takes is a phone call once you are curbside to have your food delivered straight to your vehicle. Delivery apps, such as Doordash, even offer free delivery at certain times for local eateries.

Enjoy A Meal Al Fresco 

Many places are also going cashless in order to reduce contact between staff and diners. Some have even started to add outdoor seating, so the usual crowd can come in, yet dine at proper distances. Tampa even allowed restaurants and retailers to use adjacent sidewalks and public right-of-way to seat more people, which helps encourage social distancing.

How You Can Help

“It’s day by day, but really, half-day to half-day at this point,” said Hope Montgomery, who runs the downtown St. Petersburg restaurant Brick & Mortar and the newly opened SeaWorthy Fish + Bar in Tierra Verde with her husband Jason Ruhe. Local restaurants and bars need our support more than ever right now. That might come in the form of extra tips for the service workers bringing us our takeout or delivery, or writing nice reviews for them online if you’ve had a good experience. Check out our list of more ways that you can support your favorite local restaurants here.

There are currently no reports of the coronavirus being transmitted through food. If you do decide to dine out, be safe, and enjoy!

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Spaces Available to You At Suites @ Madison

Suites@Madison, located in downtown Tampa, is a short term office space with hourly meeting rooms also available. Whether you need quick on-demand access to a workspace, an ergonomic affordable private office, a corporate classroom, or conference room space, Suites@Madison is here to help! The following list contains the options available to you. We have options available to suit a wide range of needs.

On-Demand Desks

This option is ideal for the professional on the go! Grab a desk and get to work, easy as that. With access to high speed internet, copy and print services and shared space amenities, this is a great solution to getting the most out of your workday without being stuck in a traditional, long term office space. 

Adjacent Suite

The private offices at Suites@Madison are perfect for those who need a downtown Tampa address without worrying about a permanent lease of traditional office space. With beautiful window views of the city and locking doors to keep personal and company items secure, this option is furnished to fit your needs.

Training Room

This room has all you need to train your staff. With up to 50 seats, audio/visual hookups, a large whiteboard, wifi and refreshments, your meeting will go without a hitch in our spacious training room. You may cancel reservations for this room free of charge up to 24 hours before your reservation start time, making it a very flexible option.

Conference Room

With stunning window views, private setting that seats up to 7 people, audio and visual hookups, as well as ample outlets, this conference room is sure to meet your professional needs. Come and have your meeting in a clean, comfortable, and professional work environment. 

Individual Offices

Amenities For Everyone

Stay connected with clients from a convenient location downtown with this option. This solution is great for a small team or single staff members that need a semi-permanent workspace. The space is equipped with a filing cabinet and storage locker and also includes common area access. 

All of our guests have access to the office amenities, such as the Keurig coffee bar area. There is also open seating where professionals can relax and take a breather as necessary.


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These Chains Have Filed for Bankruptcy or Liquidation in 2020 Following COVID-19.

Who Survived?

For many retailers that were struggling before the pandemic even hit, the aftermath of coronavirus has been disastrous. With the economic shutdown and social distancing behaviors that are being enforced, many retailers are not surviving the pandemic. There are some retailers that are flourishing, however. Chains that have grocery components such as Walmart, Target, and Costco especially, are seeing record sales. Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are also doing well because many people have chosen to do some “redecorating” during the stay at home order. The increase in business has shown where peoples’ priorities lie when distressed during a crisis.

Notable Bankruptcy Filings

Here is a rundown of the major companies dealing with the large financial fallout of the coronavirus.

J-Crew: This massive New York apparel company filed for bankruptcy on May 4th after seeing a large slump in sales and battling mounting debt.

Neiman Marcus: The luxe department store filed for bankruptcy on May 7th. All of its stores including Bergdorf Goodman closed due to the virus with the company furloughing most of its workforce. That move placed nearly 14,000 people out of work.

True Religion: This denim retailer filed for bankruptcy on April 13. It was actually its second time filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in less than three years. True Religion said in its court filing that it would’ve preferred to wait out the financial instability and stay-at-home restrictions prompted by the outbreak, but “simply could not afford to do so.” 

Virgin Australia: Australia’s second-biggest airline behind Qantas, and it announced on April 21 that it is undergoing the third party led restructuring that could potentially lead them to a sale. Virgin Australia was actually rejected for a 1.4 billion Australian dollar ($897 million) government loan before entering into what is the Australian equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation:
Garden Fresh Restaurants, the owner of buffet chains Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes, has chosen to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The company also opted to liquidate its assets and close its doors for good. “Given FDA regulations, we don’t think we could reopen any time this year,” CEO John Haywood told Restaurant Business last week. The move means the end of a 42-year-old chain.

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Top-Rated Takeout In Tampa

With the COVID-19 crisis, nearly every place that serves food has been restricted to takeout only. As we have written about before, ordering takeout is a great way to support the local businesses you love. Today, we have turned to Yelp to find some of the best takeout spots in Tampa.

1. Mad Chiller World

5 stars, $$ | https://www.madchillerworld.com/

Mad Chiller World serves coffee, kava, and kratom, as well as other drinks. In addition to this, they serve flatbreads, and special waffles on the weekends. They are open for takeout, or you can order delivery through Uber Eats.

2. Aladin’s Grill

5 stars, $ | https://www.yelp.com/menu/aladins-grill-tampa

Aladin’s Grill serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food that is touted by locals to be both fresh and authentic. While their menu has plenty of tasty options, what really gets customers raving is their shawarma. They have an unusual location – a gas station – but Tampa natives say that the food is worth it. They offer both takeout and delivery.

3. Thee Burger Spot

4.5 stars, $ | https://www.theeburgerspot.com/

Locals say that Thee Burger Spot makes the best burgers that they have ever had – high praise from a town that has plenty of good eats. The burger patties are fresh and people simply can’t get enough of them. The affordability and crave-factor of these burgers makes them worth your while. Order takeout with curbside pickup or delivery through Uber Eats.

4. Gonzo’s Sandwich Shop

4.5 stars, $ | http://www.gonzosandwichshop.com/

Gonzo’s is best known for their sandwiches with local flavor, like the Cuban and the Pork Drizzle. No matter what, their sandwiches are fully loaded and packed with flavor. They are open for both takeout and delivery.

5. King Of The Coop

4.5 stars, $$ | https://www.kingofthecoop.com/

The only true Nashville Hot Chicken spot in Tampa, according to their customers. If you’re not the spicy chicken type, they do offer “naked” and no-heat options. People rave about both their tenders and sandwiches, along with sides such as creamed collard greens, mac & cheese, coleslaw, and hush puppies. They offer takeout or delivery through their website.

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How You Can Help Your Favorite Local Restaurants

There is no doubt that with the current crisis, local businesses are among the hardest hit. So how can people maintain isolation but still support their favorite local restaurants and businesses? Read on to learn how you can help keep local small businesses afloat.

Buy Gift Cards

Gift cards are a way to give restaurants money now and give yourself a treat later. The cards give business a boost when they need it without exposing people to the risks of a densely populated restaurant.

Order Takeout Or Delivery

Ordering takeout or delivery is another great way to keep money flowing into local restaurants without the crowds. Most health officials have suggested takeout as the preferred method of restaurant dining.

Delivery adds another layer of human contact to the process. Restaurant employees are being closely supervised and taking extra precautions right now. Delivery drivers do not have that same level of supervision. However, delivery means that people do not have to leave their isolation.

Whichever method works for you, it is definitely safer than dining in at a restaurant. The Tampa Bay Times compiled a list here of all restaurants closed or switching to curbside in the area.

Shop Online

When ordering your delivery or takeout, do your best to order online instead of calling in. Most restaurants do not have the staff to be taking phone calls at this point in time. Ordering online makes both the customer’s and the restaurant’s life easier.

Additionally, try to shop online at local businesses that are not in the food service industry. It is tempting to shop on Amazon, which guarantees fast delivery. However, a majority of local businesses would work hard to provide excellent customer service and local flavor.

Order Gifts Ahead Of Time

The goal behind all of these tips is to help people put money into the economy now in order to keep it from declining. One of the ways to do this is by arming yourself now for all of the yearly events down the line.

Birthdays, anniversaries, and winter holidays all make us feel obliged to buy gifts. Get a jump on your present shopping and do it now. This process goes hand in hand with buying gift cards. Get a gift card to your local restaurants and treat your significant other all through their birthday week. Or order online from a local bookstore and save it as a Christmas gift for grandma.

As an added bonus, you will not be scrambling at the last minute to buy those presents later. Stimulate the economy now and have less stress later, that’s a win-win!

Donate

Finally, if you are able to, donating is always an option. Whether that is a donation to an emergency fund for food service employees, or donation of food to kids who are not being fed at school right now. There are many people who need help and will be extremely grateful for what they receive.

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How Ghost Kitchens Are Impacting The Restaurant Industry

Ghost kitchens and virtual brands are changing the face of the food service industry. Both innovations are creating a new way for entrepreneurs to break into the industry. Join us as we explore the benefits of ghost kitchens and how restaurateurs can use them.

What Are Ghost Kitchens?

Ghost kitchens are professional kitchens that are not tied to a restaurant. It is a facility that exists, usually to support a virtual restaurant brand. It provides a physical location to develop a brand and experiment with recipes and menus.

What Is A Virtual Brand?

A virtual brand is a restaurant that does not have a brick and mortar location that customers can dine at. Virtual brands have grown out of the expansion of the food delivery industry. Doordash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates, Bite Squad…the list for delivery goes on and on. Not to mention the local delivery services that have managed to survive.

Virtual brands do not serve customers in a restaurant, and their entire development is for delivery services. Sometimes virtual brands are intended to stand on their own two feet. Other times they are an offshoot of an existing brick and mortar restaurant that fall under the same name, or even a different one. Finally, a virtual brand is a test run for a brick and mortar store.

Benefits Of A Ghost Kitchen

Ghost kitchens shine best in the developmental stage of a restaurant. It lets everybody involved in developing the restaurant have a trial run before opening a physical location. The results of a ghost kitchen trial run can also be used to woo investors by demonstrating the success of a particular chef or style of food.

They also allow a team trying to establish a location to acquire an independent income stream. This enables restaurants to rely less on creditors, which gives them a higher chance of survival.

Finally, ghost kitchens provide an outlet for an established brand that has a large volume of online orders. For certain restaurants, online orders are simply a distraction for their kitchen trying to feed customers in a brick and mortar location. Ghost kitchens handle the online orders to keep the brick and mortar location functioning.

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How To Select A Location For Your Restaurant

There is a reason that the most well-known real estate adage is “location, location, location.” Location is absolutely essential for a successful business and is one of the deciding factors in the success of a food service business. So how do restaurant entrepreneurs and operators determine the best location for them? Read on to explore our top tips for selecting a location for your restaurant.

Initial Marketing Research

The initial marketing research helps determine the general area or neighborhood that you need to be searching in. This decision is influenced by the target market and target customers who you are aiming for. For example, a sit-down restaurant for families probably belongs in the suburbs instead of downtown.

Determining Factors

There are three main factors to consider while location hunting. As frustrating as the search may be, do not give in and compromise on a location simply because it is there.

Size

The size of the potential space is a highly important factor to consider. Even smaller food service businesses, like coffee shops, need plenty of space. On the other hand, you do not want to be paying for space that you will not actually use.

Ask for some detailed floor plans of the space and sketch out potential layouts. Always make sure to remember to leave space for people and servers to walk through. Additionally, remember certain rules, such as ADA laws are in place that dictate spacing.

Visibility

Visibility is another consideration that owners and operators must make. While certain businesses can afford a little lower visibility, newer restaurants cannot. Even if the space is tucked back away from the road, something needs to signal to customers that you are there. An ideal site is in a high traffic location for both pedestrians and cars that comes with standout signage.

Previous Tenants

The history of a location tells potential renters quite a bit about the location. Ask questions about the number of tenants at a location. Then find out how long those people stayed there and why they left. If you can, talk to those ex-renters and find out from them what issues they ran into with location.