5 Things Restaurants Can Do During Covid

Restaurants are in danger! This may sound like hyperbole, but I assure you, it is not. If we do not support with our dollars some of our favorite local spots may cease to exist. During my time in Quarantine I have been making a concerted effort to spread the business news and all the gospel of positivity for everyone out there. Today, I share 5 things that restaurants can do to stay afloat and expand their territory. Watch and check out the resources listed below.

Delivery Service for Restaurants

There are currently four major food delivery services that operate in many major markets around the country: GrubHub, UberEats, Postmates, and DoorDash. Here’s a guide to help you get up and running with each of these services.

DoorDash

Just sign up with DoorDash. This requires filling out an online form. It provides details about your restaurant. Once DoorDash approves your application, you receive a text. It directs you to activate your new account.
This leads you to the DoorDash merchant platform. Then add all the details about your restaurant.
The platform walks you through a list of steps. Basically, you need to confirm your menu, pricing, business hours and payment information.
Avoid doing the process yourself. Call the company number. Get an activation agent to complete it for you.
Finalize your details. Simply activate your store within the dashboard.
Use the merchant platform to receive and manage orders. Access it on your own device. Or request a DoorDash tablet.

Update your menu, hours or pause orders at any time. Do this when you find yourself unable to keep up with order volume.
Overall, DoorDash says most restaurants seem able to get through the signup process in just 3-5 days.

DoorDash is a great way to support local restaurants with safe, no-contact delivery. Get $15 off ($5 off each of your first 3 orders) when you sign up with this link: https://drd.sh/zj0QZP/

Grubhub

Grubhub says that restaurants can get their new delivery service up and running in just one day. To get started, simply fill out the form on the company’s website and a company rep will reach out to help you through the sign up process.
There’s no upfront cost, but you will need to sign a contract and set up direct deposit since orders are processed through Grubhub’s platform. You also need to share your menu with them. So if you plan on offering a limited takeout or delivery menu, update it prior to sending details to your Grubhub rep.
You also need to set up the Grubhub app so you can start receiving orders. Or you can integrate it with your point of sale system if you use one of Grubhub’s partners, which include Breadcrumb, Toast, and MICROS. Grubhub also recommends placing an order once you get set up to test the system and make sure you receive orders quickly.

Once you have the app on your computer, mobile device, or POS system, you can start receiving orders and a Grubhub delivery person will come pick them up. You can also choose to have your own team members make deliveries for you. In addition to your restaurant appearing as an option for customers on the Grubhub app, you may also want to add a link on your website so people who specifically want to order from you can easily do so through Grubhub.

UberEats

With UberEats, you can get your restaurant’s delivery service up and running in just a few days, depending on how many locations and menu items you have. To get started, fill out an interest form on the company’s website, including basic restaurant details, type of cuisine, and expected order volume.

PostMates

To offer delivery on Postmates, start by signing up for an account online, including just the basic details about your restaurant.

The company says a rep will then be in touch with you within 72 hours. From there, you can sign an agreement and begin the onboarding process.
You need to set up your restaurant dashboard, including your menu and payment information.
And then Postmates will get your listing up within a few days, sending you an email when it’s official.

They also send you a Postmates tablet that includes the tech system you need to receive and manage delivery orders. The company says this should arrive within about 15 days.

You can also sign up for the Postmates app with your own mobile device or integrate it with your POS system.
There are no upfront costs to get started. The company just takes a commission from every sale you make on the platform.

Source: SmallBizTrends.com