The world has been a little (LOT) crazy these last couple of years, and we've learned a few things along the way on executing in today's challenging labor environment and delivering what consumers need during the uncertainty of COVID. Today, we're talking about the importance of cleanliness, contactless meal solutions (a.k.a. GRAB & GO), and leveraging technology.

Build Confidence with your customers - keep your stores clean!

It is important to remember how your customers perceive your business, especially during the pandemic. Be sure you are building your customer's confidence in the cleanliness of your location. Make sure your employees are wearing masks when interacting with customers and changing their gloves often when preparing food.

Tip: let your employees have a bit of fun with their masks, by allowing them to wear ones that engage their personality. 

Aside from keeping your employees clean and up to mandates, it is critical to keep work areas clean as well. The easiest way to do this is to utilize a clean as you go method. Five seconds of light work done often saves your team minutes of hard work later! Keep in mind that you are serving food in an open environment - so cleanliness is really key to your customer's perception of feeling comfortable within your store.

Maneuver through labor challenges - offer contactless meal solutions!

We need to take a serious look at the importance of providing Grab & Go options. Not only does this create a contactless shopping experience for your customers, it also reduces the bandwidth of your team. Utilizing a Grab & Go warmer will allow your team to focus on peak cleanliness and bulk food prep, which in return promotes faster register rings. Customers can pop in and out of your location feeling satisfied and confident that they've made the right choice in visiting your business.

Key Grab & Go items to double down on:

• Our Premium Chicken Sandwiches are a great Grab & Go option to serve foil-wrapped or in a kraft bag. This is a popular item among QSRs and you can't afford NOT to be competing in the Great Chicken Sandwich Wars we've been seeing on social media! Don't miss out on this consumer favorite. We are the REAL Champs in this game!
• Pre-packed tender and wedge combos are great for the consumer looking for a full meal on the go. This is especially great to offer if your business is located near a school with open campus lunches.
• Offering chicken dippers in Grab & Go cups are also great for the on-the-go consumer that's just looking for a quick, readily available snack!
• Our pizza programs are brilliant for adding something quick and easy to your location. Consider offering sliced pizza in our awesome branded boxes for a delicious in-and-out option for your consumers.
• And let's not forget our scrumptious burritos! Not only do they offer a great option for a quick breakfast, they are great for lunch too!

Leverage your success with technology:

Not too long ago, restaurant mobile apps seemed like a novelty. However today, apps are an indispensable addition to a business's tool kit! With over 80% of Americans owning a smart phone, it is critical that you are expanding your reach to fit today's trends and utilizing the convenience of curbside pickup options. Mobile ordering is estimated to be a $220 BILLION industry by 2023 - you simply can't afford to fall behind in this market! We have a whole team dedicated to helping you increase your sales and traffic with mobile ordering. Contact our Retail Advertising Specialists today to get started: MDF@PFSbrands.com, 573-896-0300.

Together we can raise the bar of our customer's expectations while also addressing labor concerns by utilizing the simple methods in this article. Be sure to keep your stores clean, offer contactless solutions for on-the-go consumers, and use our mobile app to take that shopping experience to the next level!