1851

On Sunday, the editorial board for the Chicago Sun Times published a column titled <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/9/26/22689650/chicago-vaccine-mandate-restaurant-revitalization-fund-editorial?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-proof-of-vaccination-mandates-mean-for-restaurant-franchises-2716753" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">“Restaurants need another federal rescue fast.”</a> The column discusses how a vaccine mandate could cause a reduction in restaurant traffic and argues that the public-health measure shouldn’t come at the expense of restaurants, who are still struggling to get back on their feet after last year’s shutdowns.The writers take a stance in favor of mandates, saying “vaccinated people should be entitled to privileges that are withheld from unvaccinated people.” They add that a mandate should be handled in a way that “minimizes the harm done to small businesses,” which is how they see federal assistance can help restaurants stay open.The article also points out that a “$28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund” was enacted in March of this year, with over 370,000 restaurant owners applying for grant funding. “Only about <a href="https://www.eater.com/2021/5/18/22442063/restaurant-revitalization-fund-sba-applications-exceed-funding?_gl=1*1nmz7sa*&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-proof-of-vaccination-mandates-mean-for-restaurant-franchises-2716753" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">105,000</a> businesses ultimately got a piece of the rescue money,” according to the Sun Times, and the fund was entirely depleted before July.Wherever vaccine requirements are put into effect, the restaurant industry is bound to change. A thoughtful franchisor could allow an entire brand to capitalize on new restrictions, however, and some proactive measures could soon allow a franchise to take advantage of a new wave of consumer demand.A vaccine requirement can cause strain for virtually all restaurants, but the franchising industry is likely better equipped to handle that strain than independent businesses. A restaurant franchise has a corporate blueprint to help navigate any restrictions, along with a network of peers to share ideas, best practices and resources.Restaurant franchises may soon find themselves dealing with lower consumer traffic, and brands may soon re-prioritize the measures that allowed them to navigate the pandemic in the first place. Certain restaurants with drive-thru or takeout offerings will be able to maximize those features to the fullest if proof of vaccination becomes a requirement for dine-in services.It can be difficult for large franchisors to make collective decisions while keeping the best interests of all franchisees in mind. A company-wide provision that requires proof of vaccination would help promote health and wellness for both employees and consumers, but it can also bring increased criticism from franchise owners in certain parts of the country if it takes away from consumer revenue. Those complaints are only magnified after 2020 took so much money out of the pockets of restaurant owners.A federal bailout would help independent restaurants and franchise brands alike, but the collaboration of franchisees and an adaptive business model could again be essential for a brand’s success — no matter how abundant or limited some government assistance may be.

What Proof-of-Vaccination Mandates Mean for Restaurant Franchises

1851 Franchise

A vaccine mandate, while beneficial for public health, could make it harder for restaurants to stay afloat.

what-proof-of-vaccination-mandates-mean-for-restaurant-franchises

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette Franchise - Anusha Jonnala and Swapna Varala - 1851 Franchise

Blending Tech, Hospitality and Health Care: How Three Women From Different Worlds Came Together to Build a Paris Baguette Franchise

paris-baguette-franchise-flower-mound-texas

Minuteman Press International

The Brown Family and team at Minuteman Press in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: 30-Year Legacy in Rancho Cucamonga

minuteman-press-franchise-review-30-year-legacy-in-rancho-cucamonga

Beansquad

BeanSquad Franchise - How BeanSquad Is Taking the Stress Out of Franchise Bookkeeping - 1851

How BeanSquad Is Taking the Stress Out of Franchise Bookkeeping

beansquad-accounting-franchise-bookkeeping

Right at Home

20-Plus Year Right at Home Franchisee Turned Corporate Insights Into a Successful Home Care Business

right-at-home-franchisee-success-gregory-brewer

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Builds Major Momentum in 2025 With New Openings, Franchise Growth

Crust Pizza Co. Builds Major Momentum in 2025 With New Openings, Franchise Growth and Smarter Systems

crust-pizza-midyear-growth-2025

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with person in blazer, with laptop, holding sign that reads "LOOKING FOR A JOB"

Uptick in Jobless Claims Points to Continued Instability in Labor Market

jobless-claims-franchise-growth

Extraordinary Brands Acquires CycleBar and Rumble, Shaking Up Boutique Fitness Franchising

extraordinary-brands-cyclebar-rumble-boxing-acquisition

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K to Support Texas Flood Relief - 1851 Franchise

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K To Support Texas Flood Relief

planet-fitness-texas-flood-relief

McDonald’s Is the Latest Franchise To Bet Big on Beverages with 500-Store Premium Drink Test

mcdonalds-is-the-latest-franchise-to-bet-big-on-beverages-with-500-store-premium-drink-test

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

911 Restoration Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

911-restoration-franchise-deep-dive

Why This Real Estate Broker Decided To Bring Caring Transitions to Central Texas

caring-transitions-san-marcos-kyle-chad-hardin

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

What Proof-of-Vaccination Mandates Mean for Restaurant Franchises

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS