Contactless delivery, bolstered sanitation practices launched amidst COVID-19 outbreak
Some chains also started to implement no-contact payment schemes.
QSRs around the UK have augmented their operations amidst the ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which continues to impact restaurant industries across markets.
McDonald’s said it will pay all staff at its company-owned restaurants in the UK who need to self-isolate as a result of the disease.
KFC halted its “Finger Lickin’ Good” series of ads as public health organisations around the globe continue to stress the importance of hand-washing.
Pret A Manger, Tortilla, and HOP are just some of the brands announcing their COVID-19 protocols through their newsletters.
Aside from thorough hand-washing and the sanitation of all surfaces, Pret, for example, said it would no longer accept reusable cups.
“Our shops remain open, however you can expect to see some changes to opening hours as we respond to changing needs. We are committed to looking after our teams while we are adapting, and we continue to donate our unsold food to shelters at the end of each day,” CEO Pano Christou said in an update.
Tortilla said it would keep all its restaurants open whilst adhering to guidelines set by the World Health Organization. The chain listed Click & Collect, catering and delivery as some of its options for those who wish to avoid public spaces.
Similarly Caffe Concerto and Boxpark said its outlets will remain open whilst maintaining the highest hygiene standards.
Boutique concept EL&N said in an update that they have zero reports of guests or teams experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19.
Pho said it is offering a 50% discount to customers working from home.
Cosmo, based in London Road, said it would close its doors temporarily due to fears about the spread of the virus.
Domino’s, Chop & Wok and delivery platforms Just Eat and Deliveroo also announced that they are practicing contact-free or contactless delivery.
"We have provided food couriers with government and health authority guidance on how to operate safely in the current environment, as well as additional recommendations on how best to interact with our restaurants and customers. All our couriers will be on the lookout for your contactless delivery instructions,” Just Eat said in its announcement.
“As well as food from restaurants and takeaways, you can also order kitchen and household products from local stores and supermarkets on the Deliveroo app, making every day life that much easier,” its founder Will Shu said.
Chilango said that it will now operate a takeaway and delivery service, closing its dining-in spaces and only accepting contactless card payments.
According to Wireless Social’s footfall tracker, there has been a clear decline in footfall in the last seven days compared to the same period last year, most especially in London, Liverpool and Birmingham.
Earlier last week, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that business rates have been cut for hospitality firms whilst small firms will see them abolished altogether following the outbreak. All retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000 will be exempt from paying business rates during the next financial year whilst also extending the 100% discount to all eligible retail and leisure businesses, including nightclubs, small hotels and guesthouses.
A number of sector groups reacted to the move.
“The new measure on the removal of business rates to leisure and hospitality businesses with rateable values under £51,000 is very welcome news and will certainly create some well needed breathing space for those struggling,” Regency Purchasing Group managing director Alex Demetriou said.
“The reduction in interest rates and extending the time to pay taxes will also help to address cash flow concerns, but there was no move to remove or reduce VAT in the sector or to reduce employers’ national insurance contributions, which would have had a more fundamental impact on the sector,” added Russell Kett, chairman of the London office of global hotel advisory firm HVS.
“Business rates must be suspended immediately. Cash in the bank to continue to pay staff is the absolute priority for businesses. We also need extraordinary measures from Government to support our colleagues. There is likely to be a short-term fall in demand. Government should step in and cover wage costs so our staff can continue to look after themselves and so businesses will still be there to provide them with employment when the country gets back on its feet,” UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls urged.
