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What to Expect When you Return to Restaurants Post-Pandemic
The pandemic hurt a lot of restaurants. As a result, restaurants that are reopening or opening for the first time have to come to terms with new protocols to keep people safe and meet safety standards. As a diner, you are going to see a lot of new ways to dine out, but soon, they will become old standards. Here is what to expect when you return to dining post-pandemic.
No More Menus
You will find that a lot of establishments are now using QR codes to present their menus. In other words, you are going to use the camera on your phone to scan a code and open your menu on your mobile device. Make sure you bring your phone with you so that you can access the menu. Certain establishments may print out paper menus for you to peruse that can easily be thrown away after you have used them.
No More Condiments
Condiments won’t be hanging out on the table either. You are going to find that a lot of restaurants will bring them to you on demand and they will be to-go packets. Salt and pepper will come in packets that have one use to them as well as ketchups, mayos, and mustards. If you like a lot of any or all of these condiments, you are going to have to remember to ask for extra when you ask for it, and be prepared to take some of those packets home because once you touch them, the restaurant will have to throw them away.
Rewards Programs
A lot of people still have not returned to dining because of the number of people that are around. In order to get people to come out and stay out, companies like Rewards Network reviews restaurants and shows them ways to get people to stay. Incentive programs are being created to get you to earn points towards free meals every time you dine out. This will get you to spend more money and visit restaurants more often.
Longer Wait Times
Returning to restaurants is going to require a lot more patience in the future. A lot of workers did not return to serving tables because of the constant interaction with other people, which may have made them feel unsafe. Many places are running with a skeleton staff, so give yourself plenty of time to dine out because it may take 25-30 minutes longer to get your food or be fully served because of the lack of workers. It’s a small gesture to show the staff, but it will make all the difference for them as they struggle to keep everything in order.
More Outdoor Dining Options
A lot of restaurants build outdoor structures to give those who prefer to sit outside more breathing room. These outdoor areas will be open in the winter as well, so you can sit outside under heat lamps to enjoy your meal. They seem to have popped up everywhere and are now the dining norm.
