Last week the Governor of New York identified 20 hot spots where virus infection rates were spiking. He and his team took rapid action to curb the spread and shut down a bunch of zip codes across the state. 9 of them were here in NYC, including where I live here in Brooklyn. So I can tell you first hand what it looks like and feels like to see non-essential businesses forced closed once again. The second wave is coming, and I believe it's our responsibility to be ready for another round of shutdowns. I certainly hope I'm wrong, but if I'm not there are things you can do to prepare yourself. 

#1)  Identify all of the potential ways you can can make money if your dining room gets shut down to in-person customers. 

#2)  Put an action plan into place for each of your revenue streams.

#3)  Make a budget!

#4)  Exhaust all resources like grants and loans. 

#5)  Make sure your staff is prepared for another shutdown. 

#6)  Gather e-mail addresses now so you can keep in touch with patrons throughout the shutdown. 

#7)  Open a dialogue with your landlord and vendors. 

#8)  Lay out a communications strategy that goes beyond posting on social media.

*****

Happy listening,
Chip Klose (Host of the Restaurant Strategy Podcast)

P.S. - CLICK HERE to download the ONLY Restaurant Budget Template You'll Ever Need