Reoptimizing your restaurant layout to better support takeout and curbside operations
Published March 23, 2020
How to serve your guests while maintaining social distancing
Here are some tips on how you can reoptimize your restaurant space to support the shift to takeout and curbside-only operations.
- Rethink your drive-thru: Your existing drive-thru offers a space to serve, so consider adding a Y-lane or separate lane to allow customers to pick up orders without having to step out of their car.
- Put a dedicated pick-up zone near the entrance: This allows customers to quickly grab their food. Keep in mind that if it’s not supervised, we recommend providing signage with instructions on what to do and a phone number for customers to call when they arrive, or in case of any issues.
- Offer six feet of space inside, per the CDC: If you plan on having your guests come inside to pick up orders, strategically position the pickup area – whether at the bar or host stand – to let guests comfortably stand at least 6 feet apart from your staff and other guests.
- Provide sanitation options to put guests at ease: Put hand sanitizer or cleaning wipes near the entry. Consider keeping your inner doors open to minimize the amount of door handles customers need to touch. Ensure you’re keeping your technology clean, too.
- Double seal and optimize your packaging: When prepping the order for pickup, make sure items are securely double-sealed and fastened. Consider adding a flyer or sticker that thanks your customers for their support, as well as reassures them you’ve taken extra precautions with their order. Also consider adding a coupon to encourage future visits and providing your social media handles for future updates and offers.
- Shift your labor: Think through ways your existing staff can stay on to support your pivot to takeout. Assign “runners” to serve as go-betweens from the kitchen to the customer pick-up station. Be sure to swap out so someone isn’t constantly exposed to customers and be sure they practice proper and frequent handwashing.
- Dedicate parking spots for curbside pick-ups: Make it easy to know where curbside guests are parked and increase service speed for employees who are making runs outside the restaurant. Consider having your guests open their trunk for the order to minimize the contact exchange.
When shifting to a takeout-only operational model, get creative with your existing restaurant layout. See how you can reconfigure it to best serve your operation’s needs while also reassuring your guests.
