Introduction
COVID-19 started about three years ago, and it is still going on. A lot of restaurants have been affected by the pandemic, and they have taken various measures. These days, there are many restaurants that operate differently than before. In the wake of COVID-19, many restaurants continue to change to survive.
Impact of COVID-19 on restaurants
・Difficulty in protecting staff
Some staff members have been laid off, and some have quit by themselves due to declining customers and profits.
・Difficulty in paying staff
The number of people eating out has decreased, so owners cannot pay salaries due to low sales.
・Difficulty in paying bills
Particularly, bars have been severely restricted due to the pandemic, so they cannot pay their bills.
・Transition to new business
People prefer to order food online rather than eat out to prevent getting infected by COVID-19.
(Moessner, 2018)
COVID-19 measures for restaurants
These days, many restaurants are reopening. It is very difficult to run a restaurant during the coronavirus pandemic, but we can reduce the risk of infection by implementing safety measures.
Examples of COVID-19 measures
・Mask mandate for staff
All staff members have to wear masks when they handle food because they may spread the coronavirus. Using old masks is not good, so owners should prepare new ones available for staff to use at all times.
・Installation of acrylic board
It is possible to prevent droplet infection between customers by installing an acrylic board between tables.
・Handling food correctly
It is important to follow the rules and cook properly; for instance, cooking at higher temperatures to kill bacteria, keeping raw and cooked foods separate, and so on.
・Promotion of takeout
Eating at home with takeout can reduce the risk of infection. Recently, more and more restaurants are promoting this.
(Spectrum Interiors Ltd. 2022)
Changes in eating and drinking styles due to COVID-19
・More people are cooking for themselves
Many people cook for themselves because many events are canceled due to COVID-19 and they spend more time at home.
・Increased opportunities to snack
People eat more sweets than before because they spend more time at home. In addition, it is difficult to go out and move their bodies, so some people become overweight.
・Increase in takeout and delivery
People sometimes resort to takeout or delivery to enjoy their meals because it is very convenient.
・Enjoying drinking at home
People cannot drink alcohol outside because they have more opportunities to drink at home. Some people are holding online drinking parties using Zoom.
(Debroff, 2022)
Conclusion
COVID-19 has affected many restaurants in various ways. This is a very difficult situation, but restaurant owners and staff are still running their businesses while taking various measures. Many restaurants are making new plans in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, so these ways will continue to change in the future. The COVID-19 epidemic is still going on, so businesses should be run while putting the safety of our customers and staff into consideration.
References
Moessner, A., 2018. How Have Restaurants Been Affected by Covid-19?. [online] Restaurant Insider. Available at: <https://upserve.com/restaurant-insider/how-restaurants-have-been-affected-by-covid-19/> [Accessed 19 October 2022].
Spectrum Interiors Ltd. 2022. COVID-19: 5 Food Safety Precautions At Restaurants | Spectrum Interiors. [online] Available at: <https://www.spectruminteriors.co.uk/news/covid-19-food-safety-precautions-restaurants/> [Accessed 19 October 2022].
Debroff, S., 2022. How COVID-19 Has Impacted Consumer Food Habits. [online] Food Manufacturing. Available at: <https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/consumer-trends/blog/21133823/how-covid19-has-impacted-consumer-food-habits> [Accessed 19 October 2022].
