4 Examples of How Restaurants Have Adapted to the Coronavirus
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to force restaurants to close their doors to in-house dining, restaurants are trying their hardest to creatively adapt to the new normal. This includes restaurants creating takeout operations where none existed, bars offering cocktail delivery, and promoting do-it-yourself “survival kits.” We found some particularly creative venues giving us hope during this difficult time, which we want to share below.
Creating new concepts: Canlis – Seattle
As Seattle has been a city dealing with some of the first Coronavirus cases in the country, its restaurants have had to think even quicker than most. Canlis, a fine dining restaurant in Seattle, recognized that fine dining is not what the community needs right now. Canlis shut down its dining room and through working with its dedicated staff, came up with three new concepts: The Bagel Shed, Drive on Thru, and Family Meal, Delivered. These concepts allow customers to safely obtain food for any meal and receive food through delivery (which Canlis had never done before) all while keeping jobs for Canlis employees and sales for the restaurant. If you are in the Seattle area, check out Canlis here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Cocktails to-go: Añejo – Tribeca, New York City
Since the state of New York announced that cocktail delivery and takeout is now an option, Añejo Tribeca is one of the restaurants taking up this strategy. Añejo offers an extensive list of margaritas, beer, and liquors that pair well with an entree of choice. The State Liquor Authority requires that food is sold with any alcoholic beverage, and any delivery vehicle must carry a copy of the restaurant liquor license, among other regulations. Smaller bars in New York City, such as the Dromedary Urban Tiki Bar in Brooklyn, also promote to-go cocktails. Dromedary’s Instagram has daily tags from happy customers holding up to-go piña coladas or batched cocktails for two. Again, alcohol must be sold with food, but enjoy a burger or sandwich with your favorite cocktail to be picked up or delivered in the Brooklyn area.
Three-course meals for delivery: Selby’s – Redwood City, Calif.
Restaurants have upped their takeout and delivery menus to ensure their same dining experience can be had at customers’ homes. Selby’s, located in Redwood City, Calif., is offering a unique three-course meal every day of the week that can be picked up curbside or delivered following “no-contact delivery drop-off.” Each meal is designed to serve one person and will include a starter, entrée, and dessert. 100% of the sales will be used to help Selby’s employees. We could all use a delicious three-course meal right now, so be sure to check out Selby’s menu which will be updated at 8:15 pm the night before.
“Survival Kits”: Sixty Vines – Dallas
As a creative way to drive business, Sixty Vines Uptown is encouraging “survival kits” to its customers – offering them a variety of two-person meals to put together at home. As promoted on the Sixty Vines Instagram account, customers have the choice between two filets, two Wagyu Steaks, two Salmon Fillets, or a whole roasted chicken for $48. The “survival kit” comes with the garnishes and sides to make the meal, and a 50% off discount on wine to pair with the kit of choice. They even throw in a roll of toilet paper! If you’re not interested in the survival kits, check out the full Sixty Vines takeout menu as another alternative.
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The whole hospitality industry is in a tough time right now, but we are coming together to support one another until the storm passes. As people hunker down in their homes for the next indefinite period of time, look at these ideas for inspiration to bring joy to your loyal customers and provide work for your employees. To stay up to date on our latest recommendations for event professionals during this time, click here for our latest blog posts.