MMARCH 2021
Keeping Your Operations Moving Efficiently To Expedite The Guest Experience
TURNING THE TABLES • Step Up Staffing • Going Digital • Square vs. Round Tables
CONCEPTS AND PRODUCTS • Cleaning and Sanitizing • Social Distancing
MENUS & MARKETING • • • • • •
Contactless Menus Menu Engineering Email Marketing Tips Social Media Messaging Masks & Social Distancing Marketing Kit
SYSCO SOLUTION PARTNERS • • • • •
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Uber Eats Ordereaze Ready PopMenu CheddrSuite
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Restricted dining capacities have decreased the number of available seats in restaurants across the globe. This can also restrict the dine-in revenue stream quite substantially. Given the current situation, efficient turning of tables is even more important than ever before. As a restaurant on a waiting list, you know that turning tables is the key to higher profits and engaging more customers. Never wishing to rush or turn away a customer makes turning tables quickly more of an art than a science. Technology, along with offline techniques, can work together to make the most of each table in order to maximize profitability while still providing the best customer experience possible. While shortening wait times for guests is typically seen as a quick-service restaurant endeavor, COVID-19 is changing what guests will come to expect from casual sit-down restaurants. New capacity constraints require staff to work more efficiently to serve guests, as wait lines and crowded wait areas continue to make people wary. Technology has emerged as a clear winner with its ability to improve operational efficiency and promote social distancing.
Please review federal, state and local regulations to ensure your compliance with the law. For safety and sanitation, stay up to date and check the latest information on CDC.gov. Consult your legal advisors regarding any risks associated with starting a new venture or implementing any recommendations.
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Lessen Crowds with Order-Ahead Technology
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s interim reopening guidance recommends that restaurants enable dine-in guests to order ahead of time to limit the amount of time spent inside restaurants, as well as to use technology to alert guests when their table is ready. Meet your guests' needs by placing disinfectant wipes alongside kiosks in your lobby. Kiosks enable guests to pre-order items and pay for them before they have been seated. Guests can view menus and be notified when their table is ready. This leads to shorter wait times, larger check sizes, and more guest insights for operators. The same kiosk device can even allow guests to submit to-go orders on their own directly to the kitchen.
83% of diners would avoid crowded waiting areas, according to an April survey.
Turning Virtual Tables
It is important to be able to cater to your guests during long waits without impacting your dining room efforts. Suggesting off-premise channels, will continue to drive high levels of strong traffic. Additionally, operators should focus on enabling social distancing via curbside, and parking lot technology. For example, guests can pull into a parking spot and place and pay for their order from their car utilizing a disinfected kiosk or a QR code that takes the customer a mobile ordering platform on their digital device. This frees up staff members to work in the kitchen to accommodate for a higher amount of off-premise orders, increasing the speed at which both dining room and off-premise guests receive their food. Computer vision technology can detect when guests pull up in their cars for curbside pickup, enabling staff to drop off their food faster.
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Every minute and every seat has a value. Continue to train staff, communicate and automate to run lean, and increase profits.
Other techniques can be used by service staff to make sure time is not wasted with guests in seats: Servers should greet guests within 60 seconds of sitting down Plates cleared as they become available, rather than after guests have finished Assign more staff to large parties to expedite, where allowed by local regulations.
Increase communication between servers, bussers, and hosts so that bussers and hosts can anticipate 3-7 minutes ahead of time that tables are preparing to leave. This will reduce the time a table spends unoccupied during busy periods. Drop off the check with dessert, but have the check pre-printed prior to dessert in case an up-sell is not possible
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Seating design is one of the most overlooked techniques that can be used to get customers moving quickly. When comparing square versus round tables, square tables have been proven to shorten the turn cycle time. Moving more tables away from walls can make a restaurant seem busier, which can also stimulate guests into moving at a slightly faster pace throughout their meal. In many cases, techniques like these can reduce the table times by more than 15 minutes, allowing for one or even two more turns on those seats, allowing operators to generate additional revenue.
Other Modified Layouts and Procedures • Change restaurant and bar layouts to ensure that all customer parties remain at least 6 feet apart (e.g., marking tables/stools that are not for use) • Limit seating capacity to allow for social distancing. • Offer drive-through, curbside take out, or delivery options as applicable. Prioritize outdoor seating as much as possible. • Ask customers to wait in their cars or away from the establishment while waiting to pick up food or when waiting to be seated. Inform customers of food pickup and dining protocols on their business’ website and on posted signs. • Discourage crowded waiting areas by using phone app, text technology, or signs to alert patrons when their table is ready. Avoid using “buzzers” or other shared objects. • Consider options for dine-in customers to order ahead of time to limit the amount of time spent in the establishment. • Avoid offering any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, salad bars, and drink stations.
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Cleaning and Disinfecting • • •
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, cash registers, workstations, sink handles, bathroom stalls) as much as possible and as directed by food safety requirements. Ensure safe and correct use and storage of disinfectants to avoid food contamination and harm to employees and other individuals – this includes storing products securely away from children. Use gloves when removing garbage bags or handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands after removing gloves.
Shared Objects • • • • •
Discourage sharing of items that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect. Limit any sharing of food, tools, equipment, or supplies by staff members. Avoid using or sharing items that are reusable, such as menus, condiments, and any other food containers. Instead, use disposable or digital menus, single serving condiments, and no-touch trash cans and doors. Use touchless payment options as much as possible. Ask customers and employees to exchange cash or card payments by placing on a receipt tray or on the counter rather than by hand to avoid direct hand to hand contact. Use disposable food service items (e.g., utensils, dishes, napkins, tablecloths). If disposable items are not feasible or desirable, ensure that all non-disposable food service items are handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water, or in a dishwasher. Change and launder linen items (e.g., napkins and tablecloths) after each customer or party’s use. Employees should wash their hands after removing their gloves or after handling used food service items.
Physical Barriers and Guides •
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Install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart. Barriers can be useful in restaurant kitchens and at cash registers, host stands, or food pickup areas where maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet is difficult. Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signage, to ensure that individuals remain at least 6 feet apart. Consider providing these guides where lines form, in the kitchen, and at the bar.
Communal Spaces •
Close shared spaces such as break rooms, if possible; otherwise stagger use and clean and disinfect between use.
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For the unforeseen future, we will need to continue to exercise social distancing of at least 6’ between us in all environments. Be sure to check your local guidelines; depending on where you are located, there may be different restrictions. As a general rule continue to check local and national guidelines to ensure you are aware of any new practices at all times. In addition to masks and sanitation, there is a second tier of equipment you may need to consider. Check out the products below.
Cal-Mil Suspended Barrier Plastic Clear
Aarco Products Health Protection Freestanding Protection Shield
American Metalcraft Protective Barrier Line Hinged Guard Clear
1/4"x23-1/2"x33
30"x36"
24"
Cal-Mil Wesport Social Distancing Sign
TableCraft Booth Safety Shield Clear
Aarco Products Form-A-Line™ Crowd Control System
Wall/Floor Indoor Social Distancing Decal
17.5"x 22"
12"x48"
Brass/Black 14" Retractable
13"x18" Case of 4
Hubert® Social Distancing Floor Marker
Indoor Wall/Floor Decal Thank You for Practicing Social Distancing Text
TableCraft Signage Please Wear a Face Mask Sign
Cal-Mil Barrier W/Casters
13"x18" Case of 4 Green 12"x18"
13"x18" Case of 4
11" Black x 17" 6"
31-1/2"x12" 18' x 48' x 60'
TURNING THE TABLES TOOLKIT
Cal-Mil Free-Standing Barrier with Window
40" x 31.75" x 4"
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Sysco Marketing Services has you Covered for all your marketing needs Now that you have thought through your strategy, it’s time to spread the word about the new space, safety/comfort measures, and the menu you have put in place. And Sysco Marketing Services has you covered with all our marketing tips, tricks and our services aimed to take the work off so you can concentrate on what you do best!
MENU
First and foremost, include those items that have higher profit margins, require shorter prep times, and transport easily while maintaining their quality. Review the 4Ps of menu engineering to help you strategize your menu and boost your profitability! Make ordering easy and mobile device friendly, encouraging them to return again and again.
SPREAD THE WORD
Frequent communication and marketing via all your social media channels is essential to reach your existing customers and capture new ones. To get the word out, post photos of your new family-style items, including options for fruits and snacks and your Grab and Go menu items on all your social media channels.
SIGNAGE
Have visible signage at all times. Consider patio easels, sidewalk signs, and banners. Sysco can help you create these. We believe “the bigger the better” for your signage so it can be spotted by those walking or driving by. Sysco Marketing Concierge can also help you create QR materials in this toolkit. Contact us at 1-800-380-6348 or info@syscomarketingservices.com
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Manage Your Menu Content • Focus on what you do best – provide a consistent, quality product that your customers can count on. • Evaluate and update your menu considering the 4Ps of Menu Engineering: PROFITABILITY • Review current item costs and make pricing adjustments based on current market conditions. • Identify areas where you can switch out ingredients to enhance profitability without compromising quality. POPULARITY • Feature your signature items – what are you famous for? • Review past history or competitive analysis for key offerings. PREPARATION • Select items that require limited preparation and assembly. • Cross-train your kitchen staff for maximum efficiency. • Review and reduce your inventory to minimize stand-alone items and excess stock. PORTABILITY • Ensure your items package and travel well – maintaining their quality and freshness. • Invest in the proper carryout containers to maintain temperature and presentation to most closely mirror dine-in experience.
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Conversational content is designed to increase engagement with your customers. Ask for answers or poll your audience to learn more about their preferences. This will increase engagement and keep your brand top of mind. Tip: Shoot vertical pictures and videos for a full screen mobile experience. For more information, click here
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POST COPY EXAMPLE:
We love our customers, and we want to hear from you.
What's your favorite on-the-go meal? Salad wrap or club sandwich? #CustomerPoll • Use Relevant Hashtags: #sandwichlover #sandwichlove #SandwichOfTheDay #sandwichesofinstagram #CustomerPoll • You can use hashtag generators engines to find more relevant hashtags. The more hashtags you use the more chances for exposure and higher reach
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EMAIL EXAMPLE Email Subject: Check out our NEW Menu! We are introducing Quick Service options. Preheader: Call us today and be ready for your next meal!
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EMAIL MARKETING PROCESS DEFINE Define the message you want your audience to receive and keep in mind your goals when crafting it– traffic, awareness, more business.
TARGET Determine the target audience for your message. Use your promotional or commercial email distribution lists. Remember that you need consent from your audience to receive emails to comply with the CAN-SPAM Act. You are required to provide an “unsubscribe mechanism” and identify “yourself” the sender, with name, telephone and address. Many third-party email providers like Constant Contact or MailChimp offer these tools. Note that mass emails with the mentioned tools are not supported by Outlook, Yahoo or Gmail.
DESIGN
Craft a simple email message about the new opportunity for your community and diners. Include photos of your products, menu and restaurant new set-up.
SCHEDULE Always check for grammar and spelling before you send the email to target audience. Send at times when your audience is online active.
RESULTS & ENGAGE Email service providers offer tools to review email results, it will allow you continuous improvement and the opportunity to keep engaging with your audience. Monitor your inbox for replies, questions and concerns and follow up.
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Let your customers know that you are following recommended safety guidelines by communicating via these marketing essentials.
11x17 Posters
Floor Decals
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Sysco Solutions Partners The Sysco Solutions Partnerships program features best-in-class companies to make sure you have the right tools to optimize your business and increase traffic. Our holistic collection of offerings encompasses specialized services, technology, tools, and personalized consultations designed to make you more efficient, increase your profits, and make it easier for you to manage your operations.
WEBSITE CREATION • ONLINE ORDERING SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
ORDEREZE is a restaurant-specific online marketing/ online presence solution where everything from your website and your social media, to your online ordering and more is managed from one dashboard with one company. We provide restaurants with the ability to seamlessly engage with, promote to, and provide exceptional products and services to their customers. Setup fees waived or reduced for all Sysco customers. Fees not waived can be financed over up to 8 months. All services discounted, reach out below for more information on the specific services and offers you need. Go to www.ordereze.com to learn more!
RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT • SCHEDULING INVENTORY TEAM COMMUNICATION CHEDDRSUITE is a cloud-based, SAAS business management software for restaurants that serves as a one-stop platform to streamline all of your restaurant management needs like scheduling, communication, inventory, documentation, and more. Visit www.cheddrsuite.com/form/sysco to start your FREE 14 day trial. To speak to a representative, call 855-805-0722.!
WEBSITE CREATION • ONLINE ORDERING
ONLINE ORDERING • CONTACTLESS MENU SOLUTION
READY connects guests to hospitality venues directly on their phone so they can view the menu, order, pay, review and redeem rewards all in one seamless, connected experience. We’re laser focused on providing best in class tech to help you remove all the friction that gets in the way of providing great hospitality. Visit www.readytopay.com/sysco to access your Sysco Exclusive deal - one month free.
TURNING THE TABLES TOOLKIT
POPMENU gives restaurants the power of digital hospitality through an all-in-one marketing tool for attracting and engaging guests. We believe that independent restaurant owners deserve to control your online presence, not to be controlled by it. Through our patent-pending, cloud-based, interactive platform, we’re building a next-level consumer experience for thousands of restaurants across the US and changing the way you see the restaurant menu. Popmenu provides a minimum 25% discount to shared Sysco customers. They also waive all build, design, and maintenance fees, for both the full website and its Online Ordering platform. To learn more, head to get.popmenu.com/sysco today!
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Sysco Solutions Partners ONLINE ORDERING • FOOD DELIVERY
UBER EATS is an on-demand food delivery app and website that helps bring millions of people around the world the food they want, at the tap of a button. Interested restaurants should fill out the form at www.ubr.to/sysco. Sysco customers receive savings with a value of at least $350!
TEAM TRAINING • E-LEARNING
FOODSERVICE TRAINING PORTAL is a leader in the field of e-Learning and hospitality talent training solutions. Our company provides online education tools and assists clients in effectively achieving your training goals. Learn more about our training solutions at www.foodservicetrainingportal.com/syscoicare. All Sysco customers are eligible for a 15% discount on Foodservice Training Portal products and services.
MOBILE MARKETING & ADVERTISING CMSTEXT helps restaurants put their advertising and marketing messages right into the palms of customers’ hands! Our platform allows you to create a database of your restaurant’s customers so promotions can easily be sent to their mobile phones. Visit www.CMSText.com, Sysco customers receive the Unlimited Texting package for $69 per month ($139 value), with a special pricing of $39 per month for the first 6 months of the Unlimited Texting package. The one-time setup fee of $149 is also waived.
DIGITAL MARKETING
CONSTANT CONTACT is a leader in online marketing with a mission to provide people with a smarter way to market a small business. Our platform has all the right tools, all in one place—with email, social, and search marketing tools to help you find new customers and keep them coming back. Paired with award-winning marketing advisors who know marketing across industries inside and out—and provide practical advice at every step of the way—we offer the right approach to online marketing to achieve the results you want. To learn more or get started, visit us online at https://go.constantcontact.com/sysco. Sysco customers receive 20% off Constant Contact email marketing services.
MUSIC SOLUTIONS
DYNAMIC MEDIA is the world’s largest reseller of business background music, hardware, and commercial audio systems. With over 8,000 technicians, we provide on-site technical services to all U.S. zip codes and across Canada. No project is too big or too small for our service team - we are here to support your business music needs in every way possible. Visit www.SyscoMusic.com for more information. Sysco customers can get a monthly SiriusXM Music for Business subscription for just $24.95 per month!
EMAIL MARKETING • SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
MOVING TARGETS is a direct marketing agency specializing in direct mail, location-based mobile advertising, email, social media, and web design. Our purpose is to help businesses of all sizes connect with their customers across several different platforms. We work with you on a one-onone basis, providing you with your own personal team of marketers to execute branded marketing campaigns. Get a free, no-commitment consultation today by visiting https://movingtargets.com. Sysco customers receive $100 off any new campaign.
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Sysco Solutions Partners GIFT CARD SOLUTIONS
GIFTFLY is an all-in-one Digital & Physical Gift Card Solution for all merchants. Sell digital gift and physical cards from your Store, Website, Facebook page, Clover device, and more! GiftFly is currently FREE for Sysco merchants until the crisis is past which is TBD. After that pricing is set at 3.99% per transaction - a savings of 30%. To learn more, check out www.giftfly.com.
FRANCHISE CONSULTING SERVICES
THE IFRANCHISE GROUP is a franchise consulting and development firm that assists business and restaurant owners with determining if franchising is the best expansion method for their business. iFranchise Group is a leader in strategic planning, operations documentation, franchisee training, franchise marketing and sales, and executive recruiting for franchisors. Sysco Referred Customers receive a 5% discount off rack pricing and hourly billing rates. Visit https://www.ifranchisegroup.com for more information.
CARBON DIOXIDE PROVIDER
NUCO2 is the only national provider of beverage grade carbon dioxide certified using ISBT guidelines and draught beer grade nitrogen gas solutions to the restaurant and hospitality industry. Our expansive customer base includes national chain and local restaurants, convenience stores, theme parks, and sports and entertainment venues. To learn more or get started, visit www.nuco2.com.
SECRET SHOPPER • TEAM TRAINING
SERVICE WITH STYLE, our Secret Shopping program has helped thousands of businesses understand the perspective of their guests. Our detailed, quality secret shopping reports are completed by our trained, professional observers. We also offer customized Restaurant Coaching, Team Training & Survey programs. Sysco customers receive 15% off all services! Visit www.ServiceWithStyle.com/sysco or contact us at 813.661.1149
DIGITAL LOYALTY PROGRAM
LOYALZOO offers independent retailers a digital loyalty program to replace traditional loyalty cards (paper and plastic). It gives businesses the tools currently only available to the big brands, such as customer analytics, blast marketing messages and segmented promotions based on consumers buying behaviours. That’s how Loyalzoo’s Digital Loyalty product was born - helping local businesses to gain repeat clientele with an exciting rewards program and re-marketing to their loyal customers. Sysco customers receive 15% off plans with coupon code “Sysco15”! Visit www.loyalzoo.com
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COOKING OIL REMOVAL
DAR PRO A green solution for used cooking oil removal, recycling, and grease trap services. Pays customer for used oil based on volume collected and current commodity value. Sysco customers receive Service Guarantee and volume based rebates based on market conditions. To learn more, visit www.darpro-solutions.com
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Sysco Solutions Partners ALL SEASON DINING SOLUTIONS
RANCO exterior dining spaces allow for increased capacity while still adhering to social distancing recommendations. Structures provide guests a comfortable space to enjoy while being safe from the elements. A single structure can be modified to provide year round solutions.
PAYROLL AND HR SOLUTIONS
ADP provides payroll and human resources, including restaurant specific reports. Sysco customers receive 20% OFF! Visit www.adp.com/sysco for more information.
Sysco customers receive 12% OFF! Visit www.rancoresponse.com/sysco for more information.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
HERC RENTALS INC. is a premier, full-service equipment rental firm ― providing our customers the equipment, services and solutions they need to achieve optimal performance safely, efficiently and effectively. Sysco customers receive special pricing! Visit www.hercrentals.com for more information or call 1-888-777-2700.
CLIMATE CONTROL SERVICES • EQUIPMENT RENTAL
SUNBELT is the premiere rental equipment company in North America. Sunbelt Rentals offers a highly diversified product mix including power generation, climate control and HVAC, remediation and restoration equipment, and more. Sysco customers receive 10% off daily rental rates, 15% off weekly rental rates and 20% off monthly rental rates! Visit www.sunbeltrentals.com for more information or call 800-892-8677.
VIRTUAL CONCEPTS
VIRTUAL DINING CONCEPTS is a turnkey solution for adding a virtual brand to your existing restaurant to generate extra profit. A Virtual brand is an incredibly useful and efficient way for restaurateurs to increase their bottom line with minimal impact to current operations. Contact your Sales Consultant for more information or please visit rising.sysco.com
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Sysco Solutions Partners GEODESIC DOME SOLUTIONS
GEODESIC DOME SOLUTIONS
DOMEGUYS offers a wide variety of elegant and intelligent geodesic domes to meet your needs. Ready to use for eco shelters, sustainable development, living, studios, disaster relief, trade shows, event venues, musical festival domes, seminars and VIP accommodations, our domes are the exceptionally versatile. Spacious and stunning, geodesic canopies offer an experience that fills people with creativity and inspiration.
PHOENIX DOMES restaurant patios domes have been gaining popularity. Now, they can play an essential role in helping the hospitality business thrive despite the current challenges. Extend your patio season - even year-round - with heatable, eye-catching domes. The possibilities for styling are endless!
Sysco customers receive 10% OFF! Visit www.domeguys.com for more information.
Sysco customers receive 25% OFF! Visit www.phoenixdomes.com/pages/sysco for more information.
For more information about how Sysco can support your business please go to www.syscomarketingservices.com
Questions?
Email us at info@syscomarketingservices.com
©2020 All Rights Reserved. Sysco Corporation.
Need Help with Turning The Tables?
Contact your Sales Consultant. Our team of associates are available to help build or update your marketing materials to make you more profitable.
Get started today by calling 1-800-380-6348 or email us at info@syscomarketingservices.com
Please review federal, state and local regulations to ensure your compliance with the law. For safety and sanitation, stay up to date and check the latest information on CDC.gov. Consult your legal advisors regarding any risks associated with starting a new venture or implementing any recommendations.