How Restaurants are Preparing for the New Normal

How Restaurants are Preparing for the New Normal

In talking with our clients there seems to be a common thread in everyone’s thoughts.  They want to transition back to normality.  This transition would be a gradual reopening of restaurants whereas festivals and ball parks may take longer.

The pandemic has encouraged many restaurants who had not considered take-out to start offering it. Online ordering systems and third-party delivery apps have made this an increasingly realistic prospect.

Restaurants should have a dedicated “staging area” for carry-out as many guests want to preserve the dining experience.  A separate entrance would be optimal.  All of this change in operations has created the need for staff.  As a result hospitality recruiters such as Patrice & Associates Hospitality Recruiting are partnering with restaurants to understand their goals and staffing needs.

It will be important to balance the table-turns required to return to profit while acknowledging desires for physical distancing. How restaurants are laid out, in terms of flow and concentration of seating, will be key sensitivities to address.  It does seem strange to see big signs on empty tables staying “table close as required by the Health Department”‘.

Digital ordering and delivery has increased 300%.  

Most restaurants on on-board with the current New Normal.  Those restaurants that do not adapt will be left behind.  I personally have seen billboards for restaurants that are doing carry-out and delivery that I never expected would make the change.  The flood gates are about to open with regard to the need for staff.  Hospitality Recruiters and integral because restaurants don’t have time to perform all the steps of finding top talent while they are making the necessary changes.

One of the most interesting innovations I’ve seen are chefs engaging with their customers through online cooking demonstrations in combination with meal-kits delivered to their homes. As the transition to normal progresses, production values for these should improve with appropriate staging for presentations given more attention within the commercial kitchen environment.

As more and more people want the social interaction, they want to know they are in a safe environment.

To sum it up, here are some important things for restaurants to consider and we move to more restaurants opening.

  • Dedicated Take-out Area for Staging.
  • Partnering a Fine Dining Experience with a Take-Out Option
  • Social Distancing in the Dining Room
  • Connecting with the Home Chef
  • Cleaner Aesthetic and Home Comforts
  • Automated Restaurants/Automation
  • Work with a Hospitality or Restaurant Recruiter to help staff

Help is Here for Staffing

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Duke Witte absolutely was amazing! 

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Duke Witte for his assistance in finding me a new job in the hospitality industry. I was disgruntled with my previous job, and I was feeling very discouraged about my prospects. I had been working in the restaurant industry for many years, and I had a lot of experience and skills, but I was having a hard time finding a better opportunity.

I was contacted via LinkedIn by Duke, and thank goodness I was.  Mr. Witte was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand my skills and experience, and worked tirelessly to find me a job that was a good fit.

Duke was also very honest and upfront with me about the job market. He didn't sugarcoat things, but also didn't give up on me. He kept me motivated and encouraged, and never gave up on finding me a job that I would love.

I am so grateful to Duke Witte and his team for their help. I am now happily employed, and I am so happy that I was able to find a job that I love. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a job in the restaurant industry. He is a true professional, and is dedicated to helping his clients find the perfect job!

Thank you again for everything!

Nick Grubbs

Working with Chris Bovio made job searching so much easier! 

Not only was he available and involved in my search, but also knowledgeable regarding the position. Chris used his industry experience and recruiting network to find the best position for me and my skill set. My only regret is that my new job is so perfect for me that I won’t need to use Chris or Patrice & Associates later.

Thanks,

Nick Guarino

Michael Greig was absolutely fantastic in every way! 

He gave me options and suggestions & eventually found a great for me. Communication was easy and he went above & beyond. Also, he seems like an all around good dude. Thanks again Michael. Solid work out there. You’re hired :)

Nic Callahan

Bryan Curtis was fantastic to work with!

Bryan was very on top of things throughout my recruiting process to the engineering firm I accepted my position with.  I responded to his LinkedIn posting and heard back from him within 24 hours. He continually spoke with me throughout the process checking in regularly and answering all my questions. Bryan was instrumental in helping me find a great job.

Thanks!

Austin

Frank Rondeau was a really big help! 

When it came to helping me find my new job, he knocked it out of the park!  He was very honest and thorough throughout the entire process. We had multiple conversations along the way and he always checked in after interviews. Frank was amazing to work with, and I'm super excited to start my new journey thanks to him.       

Many Thanks,

Chyanne

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