Reopening: Critical Path for Independent Restaurants + Bars [Free Tool]
A comprehensive critical path outlining the key foundational tasks required to help restaurants and bars navigate the process of reopening their doors.
We understand the foundational business infrastructure it takes to run a restaurant and bar, and are here to help operators think through how to reopen. This is why we built an all-encompassing Reopening Critical Path for Independent Restaurants + Bars, which includes everything operators should be thinking about — from finance and accounting, to operations and HR, to marketing, communications, and technology, to compliance, insurance, and facilities. We hope it provides operators with a playbook to navigate daily operations in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis when “normal” is no longer an option.
It is critical to start with identifying the following two things:
Identify how much cash you have on hand. This will inform key decisions about operations, labor, and revenue structures.
Determine how to create a safe environment for your team, guests, and vendors.
Everything else follows.
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Finance
Financial viability is crucial, and understanding your cash on hand should help inform initial reopening decisions from labor, to guest capacities, to menu offerings. Below we have outlined the key considerations you should make as you reopen — everything from forecasting operational costs, resetting operating profit expectations, rebuilding your labor model and schedule, considering alternative revenue streams, and beyond.
Accounting
Ensuring you have proper accounting systems set up is more crucial than ever to help predict the cash flow of your business. Here we outline everything from the importance of reviewing sales data, to tracking accounts payable and receivable, to tracking COGS, to setting up inventory systems. If you are interested in reviewing your current accounting systems, we are here to help. | hello@oystersunday.com
Operations
When it comes to operations, quickly establish clear COVID-19-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure your team and your guests are safe. Consider your budget projections and revenue sources as you think through your menu. This will impact how you renegotiate vendor terms, set ordering pars, and additional operational decisions such as delivery and pickup protocol.
Safety
The safety of your team, guests, and vendors is critical. This section addresses numerous safety considerations including temperature checks + reporting of symptoms, PPE, hygiene, social distancing and more, all of which should be clearly communicated and outlined in standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Human Resources
Your teams are the heartbeat of the hospitality industry. Below we help you think through HR considerations from rehiring protocols to new post-COVID-19 requirements and policies.
Marketing + Communications
Clear, consistent communication has never been more critical. As you reopen, here is a list of internal and external information to share — both with your team and your guests. This includes adjusted hours of operation, menu updates, and health and safety measures you’re taking to keep your team and your guests safe.
Technology
It is likely that the majority of your technology has been in place since you initially opened your doors. As you are now in a different financial position, it will be key to review the terms and conditions of your existing contracts. We recommend reviewing your contracts and vendor terms to see if there are opportunities to reduce ongoing costs.
Compliance + Insurance
Ensuring that your restaurant is compliant and protected by the right insurance policies is essential to the success of your business. Presumably you have already connected with your insurance company, and now is the time to think through risk management, department of health compliance, and how to properly train your employees using COVID-19 protocol.
Facilities
Whether your restaurant is completely closed or open for pickup and delivery, review your facilities contracts — particularly since most, if not all, of these services require monthly payments.
Disclaimer: The consolidated resources are here for your consideration. The information provided above is not legal advice. We recommend talking to your lawyer to ensure all state + federal compliance is maintained. If you do not have legal representation, we would be happy to connect you with legal counsel. We understand that circumstances are changing quickly and we are updating content as it is available.
