How can you effectively manage a bar operation during a crisis?

2 Communicate with your stakeholders

The second step to managing a bar operation during a crisis is to communicate with your stakeholders, such as your staff, your customers, your suppliers, and your partners. You need to keep them informed, engaged, and supported throughout the crisis. You can use various channels, such as social media, email, phone, or website, to share your updates, policies, and expectations. You also need to listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions, and address them promptly and professionally. By communicating with your stakeholders, you can build trust, loyalty, and collaboration.

3 Adjust your operations

The third step to managing a bar operation during a crisis is to adjust your operations according to the changing conditions and needs. You need to review and revise your standard operating procedures, such as your opening hours, your menu, your staffing, your inventory, and your sanitation. You also need to implement new measures, such as physical distancing, contactless payment, delivery service, or online ordering. You also need to monitor and measure your performance, such as your sales, your costs, your margins, and your customer satisfaction. By adjusting your operations, you can optimize your efficiency, quality, and profitability.

4 Protect your staff

The fourth step to managing a bar operation during a crisis is to protect your staff from any physical, mental, or emotional harm. You need to provide them with adequate training, equipment, and resources to perform their tasks safely and effectively. You also need to offer them flexible and fair working conditions, such as shifts, wages, benefits, and leaves. You also need to create a positive and supportive work environment, where you can motivate, recognize, and reward your staff. By protecting your staff, you can ensure their health, well-being, and productivity.

5 Engage your customers

The fifth step to managing a bar operation during a crisis is to engage your customers and maintain their loyalty and satisfaction. You need to provide them with excellent service, quality products, and value for money. You also need to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for them, whether they visit your bar in person or online. You also need to encourage them to return, refer, and review your bar, by offering them incentives, promotions, and loyalty programs. By engaging your customers, you can increase your revenue, reputation, and market share.

6 Plan for recovery

The sixth and final step to managing a bar operation during a crisis is to plan for recovery and prepare for the future. You need to analyze the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the opportunities seized during the crisis. You also need to identify the trends, the changes, and the expectations that will shape the post-crisis landscape. You also need to develop a recovery plan, that outlines your goals, strategies, and actions for your bar operation. By planning for recovery, you can restore your growth, resilience, and competitiveness.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?