April 2021: Restaurant Good News Roundup
For the last year, we’ve tried to look on the bright side of life, to find the light in the darkness of the pandemic and beyond. Throughout that time, we’ve seen repeated stories of people coming together to help one another and lift the community. In that year, restaurants worldwide have struggled with many succumbing to overwhelming odds with an incalculable loss to the industry. Those challenges continue today, with restaurants still reacting to pandemic surges and fluctuating restrictions. Still, with increased access to vaccinations, the world is returning to some normal. Things are looking up between stimulus money for U.S. businesses and an increase in traffic from remote workers. Let’s look at some of our favorites from the month in our April 2021: Restaurant Good News Roundup.
Now Hiring!
In the wake of reopenings, the restaurant industry faces a new challenge: restaffing. That’s great news for workers looking for a fresh start, as the industry is in a hiring boom. Alongside owners and operators building their dream team, restaurateurs are investing in tech. Especially as debates over the minimum wage continue, improving your tech stack is a great way to help future-proof your operations, since possible.
A Such Thing As A Free Lunch
To help incentivize vaccinations, several companies are encouraging people to a healthier tomorrow. While the donuteers at Krispy Kreme took a little flak for their decision, their goal was simple: sweeten the deal for anyone on the fence about the vaccine. Krispy Kreme isn’t alone, as many businesses are doing their part to get people vaccinated as well. Time will tell if this gambit pays off, but in the meantime, you can eat a free donut and drink a free beer (probably not an ideal pairing, though) after your vaccination.
Chicken Sandwich Wars
It seems like every month, a new franchise offers its spin on fried chicken. Popeyes recently expanded its global footprint to include locations in the UK, marking the brand’s first. Elsewhere, Smashburger responded with their own entry, a Nashville style Scorchin’ Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich. McDonald’s also threw their hat in the ring, testing a new sweet and savory breakfast sandwich not to be left behind. Remember, no matter who loses, we all win this battle.
Helping Hands
It will never get old writing about people helping one another; a rising tide lifts all ships. While the Mayor of Flavortown is no stranger to this column, Guy Fieri keeps on delivering. While hosting the chef challenges series “Tournament of Champions,” Fieri proposed a new twist: the winner of each round can now choose a restaurant to which they can donate $10,000. Like Fieri’s helping hand to the industry at large, Impossible Foods has launched an initiative to help honor women in sustainability and food technologies. The idea is couched in the belief that diversity leads to potential.
While Fieri and Impossible Foods are looking at solutions to the overall restaurant industry, the Detroit organization 10 Cares raised 95K to help feed hungry families. The initiative aims to deliver 5000 meals to front-line health care workers and others impacted by the pandemic. The idea is that in raising this money, 10 Cares can simultaneously help the restaurant industry and feed people in need, something that brings a smile to our faces.
Hear Hear
While many restaurants worldwide are loosening restrictions on capacity maximums, there are still just as many that remain closed to in-house traffic. To combat this, The Maverick, a bar in Monterrey, Mexico, recently launched a website that collects the sounds of a patronized bar. For owner Oscar Romo, the bar wasn’t just a business but a community hub. To honor their slogan of “Un Lugar de Encuentros” or “A Place For Encounters.” As the virtual trend continues into the foreseeable future, you might think about the sound design in your own establishment.
April 2021: Restaurant Good News Roundup – Conclusion
As we conclude our April 2021: Restaurant Good News Roundup, it’s worth noting that things are looking up! Sales are on the rise, and U.S. restaurants were recently granted a sizeable relief fund that helps operations large and small. Meanwhile, all evidence points to several trends learned over the pandemic sticking around, which is a great reminder that there is plenty to learn from and plan while things have been difficult.
Did we miss anything in our April 2021: Restaurant Good News Roundup? As always, sign off in the comments section below and let us know. See you next month! Subscribe to the blog for more interesting restaurant content!
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