As Covid-19 cases continue to surge in the winter months at the very same time that vaccines are beginning to roll out, it feels as if the final battle against Covid-19 is upon us. The virus isn’t going away without a fight, but it is poised to go down for the count soon enough. All eyes are on a return to normalcy and a 2021 that is better, brighter and more optimistic than the year we’re currently leaving.
Restaurant franchisees have had to endure the ups and downs of 2020 just like any other business, and many have adapted well and staved off financial hardships by learning to adapt. As we move into 2021 and a virus making its last stand, here are some tips to remember to keep your franchise in the clear and ready for a major comeback.
DON’T FORGET YOUR LESSONS
2020 was all about lessons when it came to franchising, and they’re going to go a long way as we move into the new year. Restaurant franchisees have learned how to trim the fat in ways they never realized was possible, while streamlining operations to adapt to new challenges. The use of third-party delivery services has allowed franchises to stay in the game while giving patrons a little taste of the good old days.
Whether it’s service, finances or logistics, every restaurant franchisee should have learned something valuable in 2020 that can be taken forward. When the pandemic ends, there’s no reason to forget those lessons, either. Some can be adapted to fit your franchise during the rebound period, and for years to come.
BE CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC
Covid-19 appeared to be on the wane during the fall, but speculation arose that the winter months would see a resurgence. There are a multitude of factors at play, including previously locked down areas postponing their initial surge and getting hit out of the gate when they re-opened. Also, the cold weather makes for easier transmission. Interestingly, case numbers have swelled while mortality rates haven’t run parallel. This is reason to be optimistic, especially when vaccines are also in play.
As 2021 opens up, resist the temptation to leap upon the first bit of good news you see. Stay optimistic, but cautious as we move into the spring and summer months, just to be safe. By then, vaccines should have rolled out en masse and inoculated the most vulnerable, with subsequent batches distributed to everyone else. It’s hard to imagine another breakout after we overcome the winter hurdle, but resist the urge to pounce on the warm weather until the data rolls in. It’s not negative – it’s just good business.
MAKE DELIVERY MANDATORY
Third-party delivery services continue to act as a major boon for franchises forced to close or omit indoor dining. Folks will still be cautious after the pandemic crashes, at least until the fall. Keep the smiles going, but don’t stop delivering. Every order placed is another brick in the reinforcement wall.
Expect some franchisors to consider in-house delivery services where they normally would never have bothered, all thanks to Covid-19. Whether the trend continues past 2021 has yet to be determined, but it’s wise to keep the door open for a secondary revenue stream on top of your primary one.
REWORK YOUR TEAM
Now is a good time to start planning your late winter/early spring game plan, and that means identifying your existing team members and what parts they can play moving forward. If you’ve been forced to let staff go, make sure to contact them when things pick up again to see if they’re willing to jump back on board. Simultaneously, examine your existing employees and decide if any are qualified to take on positions with more responsibility.
Reworking your team before things pick back up to full speed could be one of the best moves you make as a franchisee. This goes double if you own more than one location and have employees who might be better suited for one location over another.
2021 is sure to be an interesting year, considering that many businesses will be trying to get back into a normal routine following a year of nightmares. Every cloud has a silver lining however, so don’t forget what you’ve learned as a franchisee. Instead, implement it into your business strategy and forge ahead stronger than ever. While we’re on the subject, 2021 is poised to be one of the greatest years for franchising on record. If you’ve never thought about becoming a franchise owner before, now’s the time to reconsider. Contact us today for more info!
