Our new “normal” is now a world filled with video connections. We have video chat happy hours, movie nights, workout classes, schools and just about anything else. It’s not surprising that restaurants are getting into the game as a way to engage guests with virtual cooking workshops. In fact, many are using registration fees to bolster restaurant relief funds that benefit laid off or furloughed service workers. Classes have ranged from matzo ball workshops to cookie baking demonstrations to intros to making macarons. […]

Apricot Stone

People in the hospitality industry are feeling lost. Without those fun, human interactions that once fueled their livelihood, restaurant workers are looking for ways to inject some vibrancy back into their guest experience.

Ara Ishkhanian, owner of the Armenian restaurant Apricot Stone in Philadelphia wanted to duplicate the dining out experience in an at-home setting, and maintain strong relationships with his guests, so he took a unique and lighthearted approach to the situation. The restaurant created a virtual dine-in experience in which guests make a reservation then place their order over video call with Ishkhanian. He dresses up as a server and guides guests through the menu while standing in front of a set table. The food is then made and delivered, and Ishkhanian follows up after his in-house delivery fleet notifies him it’s been dropped off. Talk about good virtual service!

Although it’s a bit silly, guests are missing the restaurant environment, and this is a great way for restaurants like the Apricot Stone to show their community how much they value their customer experiences. […]

As the restaurant industry deals with massive change, we’re spotlighting the brands that are spreading positive messages and uplifting their customers during this isolating time. Many have lessons to teach us all as they work to foster a deep emotional connection with their community.

Burrito Beach

UberEats tells us that here in Massachusetts the burrito rules supreme when it comes to food delivery. But in Chicago, Burrito Beach is bringing burritos to the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic. The Mexican grill has launched “Buy A Hero A Burrito” which asks customers to purchase a $10 voucher for a hospital worker to show gratitude for their work. In just two days the promotion raised nearly $4,000. […]

As the restaurant industry deals with massive change, we’re spotlighting the brands that are spreading positive messages and uplifting their customers during this isolating time. Many have lessons to teach us all as they work to foster a deep emotional connection with their community.

Taco Bell & Panera Bread

School meal programs provide children of low-income families with reliable sources of nutrition, but with schools canceled, some families are left wondering how they will fill the gap. Thankfully, large brands like Taco Bell and Panera Bread are launching initiatives to help feed children and enable easy access to food for everyone who needs it.

To make sure students receive meals, the Taco Bell Foundation is donating $1 million to No Kid Hungry. The brand is also teaming up with other restaurants and food distribution networks to donate food and produce to local food banks. And for the greater community, Taco Bell gave out free tacos to all drive-thru guests earlier this week. Similarly, Panera is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Children’s Hunger Alliance to deliver boxed lunches to students. The program will launch in Ohio on April 6th with plans to expand to other states in the future. […]