The way we eat, where we eat, and what we eat all might change as a result of the coronavirus. As our industry starts opening up again it’s time to think out the box of effective ways to implement social distancing. Whether that’s requiring temperature checks or adding acrylic screens, restaurants around the world have gotten creative when it comes to abiding by social-distancing rules.
Take a look at some of their ideas below for inspiration. Get creative with the use of barriers, props and other objects to enforce these new regulations and make your diners’ experience lively and entertaining.
THEATRICAL MANNEQUINS
This restaurant in Washington, Virginia — put mannequins dressed in theatrical clothing at unoccupied tables between those used by patrons. We love the proposal idea…
TEDDY BEARS
Keeping it light hearted, Teddy bears are a fun way to indicate where diners can and can’t sit. Probably one of the best ideas for family friendly restaurants.
NOW THIS IS ROMANCE !
We don’t know what to say really about this idea, except to say that it is what it is.
VIEW BUBBLES
A great idea for locations with good views. At this restaurant in Istanbul, diners can still enjoy the view of the Golden Horn estuary while they eat their dinner inside of a dome.
The domes range in size, allowing couples, families, and friends to enjoy dinner without interacting with other guests.
FRIENDLY FACES
In hopes to create normalcy, waiters at this Belgium restaurant wear face masks with pictures of themselves. A fun way to cheer up long-awaited diners and greet them with a smile.
A PULLEY ROPE
There are no waiters at this outdoor restaurant in Sweden. Food is brought to the table in a basket via a pulley system from a window in the restaurant.
ROBOTIZE
Bars and restaurants reopened in June in the Netherlands. But at this restaurant, waiters and waitresses weren’t there to greet guests. Robots were.
The robots take each customer’s temperature, and if they don’t have any symptoms, a robot seats them at a table. Once at a table, the guests can place their orders, and another robot will come and serve them their food.
BE A KING! BUT ON YOUR OWN
In Germany, Burger King recently debuted larger-than-life hats dubbed “social-distancing crowns” to encourage patrons to stay far apart from one another while enjoying Whoppers. Sadly, the crowns are currently only available at select German outposts of the chain, but with some creativity and a lot of cardboard, it’s possible to make your own.
The fast-food chain is also selling something it’s called the “Social Distancing Whopper”: a burger that comes with a lot of extra onions. This pungent creation is currently only available in Italy.
ACYLIC BARRIERS
We’ve all already got used to screens in office and retail environments. Now it’s time for restaurants and bars
GREENHOUSES
A restaurant in Amsterdam has found an innovative solution. It has set small green houses along the Oosterdok river that allow for an intimate meal. Guests are served via a long plank for extra protection.
HUMAN CUT OUTS
In New South Wales, Australia, printed cardboard cutouts fill seats in this restaurant. They even have background music which includes “patron chatter”
ENTERTAIN THEM
After being in a long lockdown don’t forget that your guests are desperate for entertainment. Spice things up and have some fun. In this Tokyo restaurant waitresses have become cheerleaders.
AND THEN THERE’S THIS
Stylish or fun, we look forward to seeing what the South African restaurant industry can come up with. And knowing our clients’, its sure to be fantastic. Good luck!
