As the coronavirus outbreak continues to evolve, so does the world around it, which continues to be true for QSRs.
While the restaurant industry saw more than eight million employees laid off or furloughed at the end of April, May and June did see an uptick in jobs as economies around the country adapted and responded to the pandemic. Similarly, restaurant brands continue to learn and adjust their business models.
Tillster’s Chief Marketing Officer, Hope Neiman, shared a few ideas for restaurant brands continuing to navigate the COVID-19 crisis with QSR. Here’s what she shared:
1. Brands Go Digital: The restaurant industry has been slow to adopt digital ordering. But, the pandemic forced brands to expedite the adoption of programs as digital became critical to stay alive.
2. People Respond to Easy: The brands that support easy ordering and reordering will see repeat visits, especially as consumers continue to respond positively to digital ordering, which also supports customization – an essential ingredient for building brand loyalty.
3. People Want Choice: Customers are looking for the same thing: flexibility, options that fit their needs at a given moment, and the restaurant brands that support pick up and delivery via the preferred ordering method.
4. People are Thrifty: Consumers are more aware than ever about the money they’re spending on food, especially as third-party aggregators increase costs with processing and delivery fees. Brands can increase loyalty by supporting orders in more cost-effective ways and through transparent pricing, helping guests understand costs and feel more justified in their purchases.
5. National Brands Producing Local Heroes: Communities are seeking new ways to support struggling local businesses. And, franchise operators are facing the same struggles as other restaurants throughout the country. Brands can connect with the community by communicating their localness and engaging with their neighborhood and its needs via email campaigns and social media.
To read more about adapting restaurant operations and practices, read the full article at QSR, and for more information about Tillster’s solutions, contact our team.
