Helpful Tips – Edition 2 - April 2020

Meal Delivery and Pickup

Keep your restaurant or quick service cafe operating by advertising meal delivery and curbside pickup to your customers. Benefits they will appreciate include:

Convenient and easy to order
Helps support a local business
Highest standards for sanitary food preparation
No evidence of COVID-19 transmission associated with food, according to the CDC

Stand Out In Customers’ Minds

Be a guest’s first choice for meal delivery with these creative ideas:

Get Charitable

Donate meals to essential workers like doctor’s offices. Consider offering a discount especially for essential employees like healthcare professionals, first responders, delivery drivers and grocery store employees.

Cater to Kids

Most FECs sell quick service food that’s kid approved like burgers, chicken tenders, and hot dogs. But you won’t be on most people’s minds for meal deliveries. Stand out by providing customized “Kid Meals” with extras like helium balloons, activity sheets, stickers, and a surprise toy from the redemption counter.

But Don’t Forget Parents

Does your FEC have a liquor license? Let customers order a bottle of wine or six-pack of beer along with their meals. Put that margarita machine to use. Add specialty cocktails and mixed drinks to your adult beverage menu, and include those to-go options with meals. It’s a simple way to stand out from other quick service restaurants who have similar food choices, but don’t sell alcohol. Be sure to follow your area’s rules and regulations regarding ID checks and delivery.

Sell Meal Kits

In addition to offering prepared quick service food, consider selling meal kits. You provide the ingredients (purchased wholesale) and instructions for a family-fun cooking experience. Get started with simple kits like pizza dough, sauce and toppings – and grow from there. Other easy meal kits could be supplies for a nachos or hot dog bar.

Specialty Creations

Try creating wacky, limited-time-only menu options with what you have. For example, invent a crazy stacked burger with donuts and other toppings. Promote the item’s sales on social media with video eating challenges and prizes to those who can complete in under 20 minutes.

Deliver Specialty Party Treats

Parents can surprise their kids with treats like a bag of snow cone ice and a selection of syrups in to-go vials. Other treats they might enjoy having delivered (and that other restaurants don’t sell) include cotton candy, funnel cakes, or flavored popcorns.

Publicize Specials

It’s simple, but it works. Consider offering specials like a free kids meal with purchase of two adult meals. Other ideas could include a free beverage, side or dessert.