Restaurant Cleanliness and Operational Success During COVID

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

restaurant owner

Because of these challenging and ongoing COVID times, cleanliness standards for your restaurant, bar, or café are higher than ever. Along with that, it’s also important to stay abreast of changing rules and regulations so you can adapt quickly to keep your business open and thriving. These tips will help you examine where you’re at and build off of what you’re doing to stay successful until that unforeseen yet glorious time when the pandemic is behind us.

Communicating to Staff and Customers

If your restaurant is still in business, you’ve successfully been communicating with your customers and employees. From schedule changes to new roles and responsibilities, continue to keep your staff informed of any changes so your business can stay nimble and successful. Leveraging your online presence is the best way to keep everyone informed. You’ve likely been keeping customers in the loop through your online efforts. But beyond just having your website and any social media platforms up and running, you need to update them regularly to reflect any changes in your hours, menu offerings, or delivery options. Make sure customers know exactly how to place an online order and how they can receive their food (die-in, carryout or curbside delivery). The good news is that this pandemic to-date has likely boosted your online presence as customers rely on it more than ever.

Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing All Surfaces in Your Restaurant

From the CDC and OSHA to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are several resources available where you can get specific guidance on how to keep your restaurant, bar, or café clean and safe. For example, the CDC recommends you wipe down “high-touch” surfaces such as doorknobs, handrails, and counters with disinfectants that effectively kill the virus that causes COVID. The WHO recommends that you keep all food between 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit to kill most viruses, so proper dishwashing and cooking practices are enough to eliminate most risks. You’ve already had to create a new cleaning strategy for COVID, so now is a good time to evaluate what you’re doing and see where you can make improvements.

Practicing Good Handwashing and Hand Hygiene

Just like in non-COVID times, good handwashing and hand hygiene are critical to keeping everyone safe in your food service business. Proper handwashing—frequently and properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—and wearing gloves  to prevent cross-contamination is so important. Your employees’ health and safety should be your main priority. When they stay safe and healthy, you can stay open and keep your customers safe, too.

Staying Organized

In addition to the critical task of cleaning your business, it’s also important to stay organized. From staffing changes to offerings, you’ve already had to rethink your internal processes throughout the course of this pandemic. But as our situation with COVID continues to remain fluid, it’s important to review your processes regularly and always be open to change. The faster you can adapt; the smoother your operations will be as you navigate the future. 

COVID and Next-Level Cleaning is Our Specialty  

Cleaning is what you do daily to keep your restaurant, bar, or café open, but there are times when your operation needs that next level of clean. That’s when you can rely on SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County. Our expertise , equipment, and offerings like ultrasonic cleaning, provide that protection against the risk of COVID and other diseases spreading in your facility. Call  (414) 421-3500 to schedule your no-obligation cleaning consultation today.