Manners Matter as Restaurant Franchises Reopen

The entire world is eager to get back to normal — whatever “normal” might look like moving forward. But while consumers and businesses alike are excited for reopenings, everyone would do well to keep certain points of etiquette in mind as we transition into a post-COVID consumer landscape. And while habits take time to establish, everyone on both sides of the counter should default to kindness.

So advises a June 9 piece in the Washington Post, which asks restaurant customers to think twice before they rant about a takeout order online. Author Tom Sietsema also noted that many restaurants will likely have missteps as they learn to offer carryout and delivery. 

“Restaurants that are still with us, operating on onion-skin-thin margins, can’t afford to lose even a single sale now,” Sietsema wrote. 

Tips and reviews are other key points of consideration for customers, as a recent Forbes article pointed out. Restaurant patrons who opt to dine in at their favorite establishments as they reopen should consider tipping generously and posting about their experience on social media in a positive way.

Restaurant staff have had it tough during the past few months. Millions have been on unemployment. Those who were working delivery and carry out lines have had long days, usually without the kind of tips they would earn for table service. 

On the flip side, restaurants owners and managers should be prepared to continue positioning takeout as their main source of revenue. According to recent report in Eater, lunch crowds may still be working from home for a long time and tourism is far from getting back to pre-COVID levels. 

Diners who remain in the city might be hesitant to return to dining rooms, especially if it means sitting through a three-hour meal while being encouraged to wear a face mask when not eating or drinking. Then there’s the fact that summer is often the slowest time of the year for restaurants. And finally, a lot of diners won’t have as much disposable income to spend, given wage cuts and an overall unemployment rate hovering between 12 and 20 percent.

Then there are some basic things everyone can do, especially when they’re wearing a mask, which can often hide emotions. Seattle-based etiquette expert Cortney Anderson-Sanford shared expert tips with Seattle Refined: “Keep smiling and keep staying open. You should never have your hands in your pockets and be closed in. Open body style, and open eyes and open face. Your eyes show and people can tell if you’re smiling.”

There are many ways for customers and businesses to show their appreciation for one another as things trickle back to normal. By exhibiting lots of patience as everyone regains their footing, businesses will enjoy smoother transitions as they get back to normal and customers will benefit from seeing their favorite establishments continue to operate. And everyone will genuinely enjoy each other’s company.