UAE’s restaurant sector will need to serve up some changes
Food and beverage business everywhere is in for a makeover
The biggest challenge after the pandemic would be to bring back social confidence in mankind. But any thought of return in confidence would need a medical solution, and clarity from governments that services are fully open and not restricted.
The blinkers would need to come off. And once they do, then — be it the retail units, hospitality and restaurants, educational institutions, entertainment venues, parks — all would need a paradigm shift in their view of hygiene. There would need to be a lot more transparency in the manner we present the venue, ascertain that team members are well-trained on this aspect of the operations. It had never been a topic of discussion in the past. It will be a well-focused aspect moving forward.
No slip-ups allowed
The new normal requires every company in the tourism sector to keep the highest levels of hygiene standards. Brands that adhere to these revised standards, before they become government regulation, will be the ones staying ahead of the curve. What are some of the ideas one could implement as a new normal? I would say:
Events that do not draw in large crowds would need to get reintroduced as a start — thus slowly encouraging public engagement. Innovative reasons would need to be offered.
■ Install thermal body temperature scanners at entrances, which would flag abnormal body temperatures in any guest — especially at hotels and malls.
■ Restaurants can implement more rigorous table setting and clean-up practices after the guests leave, so that there is a clear shift of perception visible with the additional steps. These could possibly include wiping down each chair — instead of only wiping the surface of the table as per the erstwhile method.
■ Going about aggressively to inform customers about the new hygiene standards, starting with a newsletter to your loyalty database and posting on your website and social media platforms.
■Having your janitor team clean public areas during the morning or afternoon peak times instead of after operational hours.
Knowing the huge concerns all around, the strong belief in the value ecosystem will evolve and come to the forefront. Enforcing
brand ethos and the DNA of brand pillars — enrich, engage, belong and innovate — would play a vital role in the confidence building process.
Events that do not draw in large crowds would need to get reintroduced as a start — thus slowly encouraging public engagement. Innovative reasons would need to be offered so as to give people the reasons to come out. Repeat outings will add to the confidence and again make it a habit.
Needs a relook
The format of service would need to undergo a sea-change. Encourage tailor-made menus, served in individual plates — move away from the concept of sharing.
Utilise open spaces, airy venues, fresh colours, green plants — all of which add a very positive vibe to the atmosphere. It’s much needed to change the mood in the times ahead.
Observe how other countries are slowly turning around and opening up after the restrictions. Their people are encouraged to engage with the new normal of living with a virus. A medical solution is still a distant dream.
As Mark Victor Hansen says it: “Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now.”