The pandemic has helped usher in (aka forced) a new era in the restaurant business, one that has seen successful restaurants ditch the traditional business model. Goodbye, dine-in. Hello, hybrid (dine-in, carryout and delivery).
Unfortunately, larger chains have an overwhelming advantage in the technology department. Chains like El Pollo Loco have adopted drone delivery. Dominos has started using autonomous vehicles to deliver pizzas. McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s use artificial intelligence in their drive-thrus for suggestive selling and facial expression recognition.
What can independent operators do to adapt and compete? The options are more available and affordable than you might imagine. It could be as simple as adding online ordering or hiring a third party delivery service.
Eager or willing to adapt? The SBDC can help. Get started today with a confidential, no-cost evaluation of your operation.
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