Putting restaurants back on the menu post-lockdown
Putting restaurants back on the menu post-lockdown
Across Europe, restrictions that have forced restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars to close are gradually being lifted in another positive sign that life is returning to normal. However, it won’t quite be the normal we once knew, especially for drinkers and diners or hospitality, restaurants and catering (HoReCa) businesses.
Continued social distancing measures and other government advice will mean the sector must be extra vigilant when it comes to operating safely and responsibly. Some plans reported by the media have teased a greater emphasis on outdoor licensing and dining with clear plastic dividers separating patrons as well as restrictions such as reduced capacity.
Whatever measures are adopted across countries, HoReCa businesses will need the flexibility to quickly adapt to official guidance as and when it changes, often at a moment’s notice.
Adjusting to a new normality
As restaurant and bar doors start to open they will have to adopt special measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This could include single use menus, or menus printed on waterproof, wipe clean materials that can be easily disinfected. In both cases, having the flexibility to print menus in-house quickly and cost effectively will help establishments remain agile and compliant.
Social distancing is sure to remain a key requirement with tables spaced further apart resulting in a reduction in capacity with fewer guests at any given time. The use of signage such as floor stickers and freestanding banners help instruct customers where to wait to be seated ensuring they maintain a safe distance as well as communicating waiting times.
By investing in a do-it-all device that can print everything from menus to signage and even self-adhesive floor stickers for social distancing, businesses can cover all their print requirements on demand without the cost or lead times of a third-party print supplier.
OKI’s multi award-winning C800 Series A3 colour printers are ideal for the HoReCa industry, enabling everything from standard back office printing to menus, posters, banners and self-adhesive floor and window stickers to be printed in-house and on-demand. These printers are designed to take up a minimal footprint while enabling businesses to print in a professional quality on a wide range of formats and materials, including waterproof media that can be wiped clean with disinfectant while maintaining the printed content intact.
Providing a helping hand
OKI Europe understands that creating and implementing essential social distancing signage can be challenging and have teamed up with Floralabels to offer HoReCa businesses free* social distancing media and artwork. This will help open their doors to eager diners while protecting the wellbeing of staff and customers by enabling them to create self-adhesive floor stickers that can be printed quickly and easily.
The complimentary media and artwork pack includes three formats: a self-adhesive floor circle (285 x 285mm) and self-adhesive rectangular floor banners in two sizes (215 x 900mm and 297 x 1,320 mm) together with eye catching graphics with various messaging options to remind diners to keep a safe distance.
The long lockdown period has been undoubtedly unnerving for the HoReCa industry. Embracing the benefits of using signage printed in-house and on-demand is one way that they can seize the opportunity to quickly bounce back, while keeping customers safe, informed and satisfied.
Please note, for information on specific media that should be used with OKI printers for the applications specified on this page, please contact your local certified dealer or contact us.