Long Island SoBol Franchisee Angelina Perry Launches “Distance Socially, Dining Locally” Initiative Promotion Plan

As Coronavirus cases continue to rise, especially in the New York area, the restaurant industry has been forced to adapt on ways to provide food to their customers, without any contact. Due to the franchise café specializing in acai bowls, smoothies, and soups already being known as a grab ad go eatery, it gives the brand a competitive advantage in the industry at its current state. As most of SoBol’s locations reside in the US epicenter of the Coronavirus, including New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, it’s especially imperative for restaurants to offer takeout and delivery as dine-in services are not available to prevent the virus spreading further. Some locations are taking it one step further by offering certain promotions and incentives in order to encourage their customers to order online and use the available service offerings. 

Perry, who owns SoBol locations in Hauppauge and Ronkonkoma on Long Island, makes it clear that the safety and health of customers is at the forefront of all of her decisions, especially during this sensitive time. The state of New York mandated all restaurants and bars to close for dine-in; however, she noted most consumers falsely think they’re completely closed. According to the CDC and FDA, there is no evidence of food being associated with COVID-19 transmission, allowing contact-free delivery to be safe. Due to this, all SoBol locations offer takeout, curbside pickup and third-party delivery through DoorDash and UberEats.

To promote SoBol’s offerings to the local community, Perry has been posting on social media platforms, ordering banners to hang outside of the stores, and reaching out to local news. 

“My biggest concern was for children who rely on free school meals,” said Perry. My locations are giving away free strawberry banana smoothies from 11am to 1pm to local children of all ages until schools are back in session.” 

Perry notes that the SoBol corporate team is developing additional promotions, including discounts for all first responders and healthcare workers; 10% off online ordering; and $1 off coupons for all to-go, curbside pickup and delivery orders. Perry also adds that UberEats is offering free delivery until further notice. 

Perry has also been providing additional support to her staff.

“We are allowing our employees to decide whether they want to work. If they don’t have enough hours, we’ll try to get them on the next schedule. If they choose to take the time off, we let them know their job will be here when they choose to return. It’s truly up to them and we let them know that.. 

Besides following all CDC guidelines, Perry states that she and her team are “taking extra precaution, emphasizing safety more than ever. We’re really just taking things day by day, being as positive and adaptable as we can. We’re trying to operate best for our customers and employees and will continue to adjust based on the current state of COVID-19 as time goes on.”