2. Connect with your guests
In uncertain times, guests’ behaviours will likely change, and you’ll want to stay in touch with guests who’ve already booked, while continuing to be discovered by those dining out.
- Call or email guests to cancel reservations, and remember to pause automated email campaigns.
- Inform guests of precautions you’re taking on your website and via email. You can export your guest list to do this.
- Update your profile to showcase your delivery and takeaway offering.
3. Meet guests where they are by adjusting your services
People are understandably nervous. Make it easy for people to choose your restaurant and realign the way you operate during these uncharted times.
- If you offer delivery or takeaway, let people know by signing up to this promo page. Ireland restaurant sign up here.See tips for moving to delivery and pickup only.
- Remind guests that, they can support your restaurant by buying gift cards to use in the future. We are waiving fees to participate in OpenTable Gifts beginning March 16, 2020.
4. Support your staff
With closures for dine and an increase in delivery and takeout orders, you will likely have a shift in staffing needs and staff members are likely to be concerned. There are ways to take care of them.
- Consider setting up or choosing an existing fund you want diners to support, using a fundraising platform such as Facebook, Fundly, or GoFundMe.
- Show diners how to give back to your restaurant on your OpenTable profile.
- Share unemployment and financial aid resources with your staff members to help them get through these tough times.
- Have an on-call programme so staff can get extra shifts if others are sick.
5. Adjust operations
As conditions change, stay on top of the impact on your business. Realign the way you operate during these uncharted times.
- Prepare for delivery and takeaway only.
- Edit your menu to travel well and offer family meals.
- Consider selling pantry staples and meal kits.
The state of the restaurant industry
As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps people home and some cities, states, and countries limit restaurant operations, our community of nearly 55,000 restaurants faces unprecedented challenges. We’ve summarised the data from the restaurants on our platform of year-over-year seated diners and are updating it daily.
