If you have been in a restaurant since they have reopened for dine-in customers in North Carolina on May 22nd, then you have noticed the subtle changes outside of the limited capacity. Maybe you saw utensils wrapped in plastic like they were fresh from the dry cleaners or were unable to find salt and pepper shakers. Another key change during these COVID times has been implementing disposable menus and signage.
 
Most restaurants prior to COVID-19 hitting were reserving printing for employee schedules and nightly specials. With the need to now provide menus to an increased amount of takeout customers and those dining in without multiple hands touching them, businesses can look to multi-function devices for help.
 
With this increase in printing comes an increase in costs. Especially for those utilizing small store-bought ink-jet devices. Since the practice of menu printing and safety signage seems to be here for at least the near future, it makes sense for restaurants to plan on how they can use it to their advantage rather than simply to get by.
 
Go back to 2019 and think of the costs associated with a menu change. If the menu was left unchanged and the staff was responsible for informing customers of nixed items, a bad impression could be the result. By transitioning to a printed option, restaurants hold the keys to up-to-date deliverables. In this time of uncertainty anything can happen. Ingredients included in multiple dishes can be halted due to contamination or production delays. Knowing that whatever happens owners can present their full offerings to their guests and focus fully on providing them a memorable experience in a troubling time, should bring them peace of mind.
 
Here are a few areas print offerings could come into play:

-Drink Menus/Lists (If you have a large collection consider creating a booklet or brochure)
-Daily Specials
-Catering Menus
-Takeout Menus
-Safety procedures posted on doors, host stations, restrooms and other areas
-Personalized thank you notes for customers
-Coupons
-Activity pages for kids
-Direct mail campaigns/Postcards
 
Copiers Plus is here to help the restaurant industry during these challenging times. If you own a restaurant, we would love to brainstorm with you about how you can become or stay compliant with COVID-19 restrictions while more intimately connecting with your customers through printed materials. Schedule a complimentary assessment with us today at 800-648-7081 or via the web.
 
Drew Smith currently serves as Director of Communications for Copiers Plus. The company specializes in modernizing office equipment and increasing efficiencies in workplace communications throughout the state of North Carolina. To learn more about how Copiers Plus is providing their customers with innovative document solutions and enhanced printing transparency, visit www.copiers-plus.com. Drew would love to hear from you at [email protected].