sandandsea, I understand why they're upset, but I've had people harassing me - multiple emails, calling me and a half dozen other people at the office, blowing up any means of contact to get an answer on their payout. It's just gotten to a crazy level with some people. I want to just be like "Listen, we are handling it. We are trying our best here. And I could handle it a lot faster if you weren't interrupting me every five minutes with your stupid questions and demands."
Beau is screwed. Opening a restaurant a month before a global pandemic is not ideal timing. I honestly don't know if they'll make it through this, money was so tight already since they just opened. I'm so worried for him.
Post by sandandsea on Mar 14, 2020 11:54:13 GMT -5
Yes that sucks. We are all in this together. I wish everyone could react with empathy, kindness and understanding.
One thing we’ve seen a lot is people having gift card promotions for small businesses so they get some cash now even if demand is down. Maybe he could try that?
Post by erinshelley21 on Mar 14, 2020 12:06:20 GMT -5
twinmomma a gift card promotion like sandandsea said would be a good idea. Could he do a delivery service? It wouldn't take much for his insurance to be endorsed to allow for it to happen if he doesnt already have some sort of hired/non-owned auto coverage. Offer a handful of lunch or dinner combos and charge a little extra than normal to cover delivery expenses, but offer it as free delivery. Could include a coupon for a free app or dessert for a future visit ? Our restaurant clients were freaking out earlier this week so I get it. A contractor prospect is even feeling the hit already.
He's working on gift card plans this weekend. Hopefully that helps ease the pressure a little. They can't really do take out. It's a wine bar with charcuterie. lol There's no real "food" to be delivered, unfortunately. The state has some small business grants and support that he's looking into as well.
He's working on gift card plans this weekend. Hopefully that helps ease the pressure a little. They can't really do take out. It's a wine bar with charcuterie. lol There's no real "food" to be delivered, unfortunately. The state has some small business grants and support that he's looking into as well.
He's working on gift card plans this weekend. Hopefully that helps ease the pressure a little. They can't really do take out. It's a wine bar with charcuterie. lol There's no real "food" to be delivered, unfortunately. The state has some small business grants and support that he's looking into as well.
oooh no. I was going to say "touch free" curbside or free local delivery... but ouch.
Is he only allowed to sell wine for on premise consumption? Or can he sell it for people who want to take a bottle away? Are you allowed to ship wine?
Announcing his efforts to keep people safe when they come in is helpful (ie cleaning high touch points all the time, spacing between seats) but I'm sure he's doing that....
He's working on gift card plans this weekend. Hopefully that helps ease the pressure a little. They can't really do take out. It's a wine bar with charcuterie. lol There's no real "food" to be delivered, unfortunately. The state has some small business grants and support that he's looking into as well.
charcuterie kits? Lol
There's a cheese shop in my town, and they sell to-go charcuterie plates (pre-made or made-to-order), which are actually super popular! It's worth a try!
Post by supertrooper1 on Mar 16, 2020 10:28:38 GMT -5
twinmomma, lots of specialty restaurants in my area have switched their format for takeout. A fancy restaurant is offering family takeout meals. Can he come up with a new takeout menu?
Maybe Massachusettes will allow the sale of wine for take away in a sealed bottle. Currently a few of our jurisdictions are allowing this. I don't know anything about Mass. though.
I appreciate the ideas! Unfortunately he just solidly falls into the "SOL" category on this one. His business can't support any kind of take out or delivery. Liquor license laws don't allow him to sell unopened bottles. It's smarter for him to just close his doors and try to get his vendors to give him some leeway on payments instead of trying to cobble together a plan that will result in having to pay wages for a tiny amount of business. It just doesn't make business sense. He'll end up losing more than he'd make. If they were a more established place with a strong customer base, maybe. But they've been open less than a month.