Delivery is Safest
Today, one of New York’s strongest restaurant groups, Union Square, announced that it has laid off 80% of its workforce, approx. 2,000 workers. Union Square is a hallmark of the NY dining scene and is run by one of the industry’s most enlightened leaders, Mr. Danny Meyer (also founder of Shake Shack). Mr. Meyer immediately announced that he is donating his entire compensation to the Union Square employee relief fund. In addition, the executives are also taking a meaningful pay cut, so Kudos to their compassion when it is needed most.
This is one of many casualties that has or will occur during this deeply challenged time. However, it really doesn’t have to be this way. Presently, there is substantial consumer money in the economy, albeit it is fast diminishing given the unemployment rate is ramping at a highly caffeinated rate. The issue is that this money is being spent at grocery stores and Amazon in an effort to hoard food for the possible event of enforced quarantine.
However, what consumers don’t realize is that by visiting grocery stores, they are putting themselves and their families at far higher risk than buying pre-made and delivered food.
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The US restaurant industry reacted extremely supportively to the government requested /mandated closures. This is because our industry is inherently an industry of servants who believe in the collective effort to serve the community at any cost. Nevertheless, we mustn’t allow this positive be turned into a negative. Consumers are safer when buying delivered food and do their grocery shopping online, this is just a statistical fact. It is not just in the industry’s interests, but it is our civic duty to inform the public that home delivery is the safest form of food purchasing.
Some great examples of restaurants and food vendors pivoting to the Corona Market reality and giving the public a safer option than the Grocery store:
- Chef José Andrés is turning eight of his DC and New York restaurants into community kitchens to offer affordable or free to-go lunches for those who need it.
- Canlis in Seattle has replaced its shuttered restaurant by opening three pop-up shops: a bagel shop, drive-thru burger joint, and a "family meal" delivery service.
- A beer hall in Washington, D.C., has transformed into a relief center to aid service industry workers. Nearby restaurants are bringing packaged, to-go meals to the facility.
- Uber Eats is waiving the delivery fee for small businesses in some of its markets. Grub Hub is offering deferred commission for smaller groups.
- Many restaurants are turning to free delivery, delivery zone expansions and contactless delivery methods in an effort to retain customers.
· Phood Farmacy (North Hollywood CA) launched a ‘food as medicine’ based Gourmet Meal program for consumers in Los Angeles, who still seek a gourmet experience yet are unable to visit their favorite restaurants.
Edible Arrangementschanged their fancy centerpiece model to a CSA-style box of produce, and removed delivery charges.
Thank you for reading, and please pass the message on, a reduction in Covid-19 infections relies on this.