With catering operations currently restricted to takeaway only under Covid-19 lockdown, here are some creative steps you can take to adapt your existing service to make the most of your catering potential at this time. This advice is supplied by the Catering Design Group.
1. Think outside of the box…or shed, caravan or kiosk. Consider adapting an existing structure by adding a hatch. Any unique structure you may have on site, from a rustic shed to a horse box or a quirky shepherd’s hut, could potentially be used for takeaway or serviced options. This will give you an easily accessible facility that won’t cost much but will add value and support social distancing. Use your brand colours, attractive signage and outdoor lighting to add ambience and personality.
2. A window of opportunity. Turn existing windows into serving hatches to support social distancing,increase footfall and maximise revenue. See some examples here how the walls around a window opening can be transformed with paint, props and a little imagination to create an attractive feature.
3. Walk the talk. Control queues and maintain social distancing by taking a more innovative approach to floor signage. Floor arrows and floor flows are quirkier and have more visual impact than a simple dot or white arrow. These can be tailored to your brand so that they are less generic and form part of the design. Also consider a one-way traffic system and temporary changes to entrances and exits leading to the window or hatch.
4. The great outdoors. Your outdoor spaces have never been so valuable. Now is the time to maximise all-weather outdoor seating spaces so that they are ready for post lockdown business. Think about adding outdoor heating, eco-friendly lighting, planting and screening so that you are prepared for the increased catering covers that your on-site Christmas attractions will undoubtedly bring.
5. Invest in good design. Creating a great customer experience calls for a professional design approach where every aspect of a garden or farm centre catering facility is assessed. Bespoke design that reflects your unique brand and ethos can be transformative in terms of future revenue and repeat business.
Catering Design Group (CDG) is one of UK’s leading restaurant and commercial kitchen design companies, offering a full design service to clients throughout the retail, leisure, hospitality and education sectors. http://www.cateringdesign.co.uk If you would like to know more about how CDG can support your vision, contact Steve Hutchings, director of CDG on 07736 479342 or email steve.hutchings@cateringdesign.co.uk