Success in the restaurant business demands adaptability. Culinary skill and business savvy are certainly important, but neither will be enough for a restauranteur who cannot be flexible. This is especially true as one of the biggest shifts to happen in the industry is poised to unfold - the emergence of virtual restaurants. Contrary to the implication of the phrase, a virtual restaurant can indeed exist within a brick and mortar space-so what exactly is a virtual restaurant, and more importantly, how do I set up a virtual restaurant? Read on to find out why going virtual might be the next step in every restaurant's success.
The phrase "virtual restaurant" has emerged as a way to describe how many restaurant operations and services are now conducted completely online. While a restaurant itself may remain in its brick-and-mortar building, customers often browse the menu online before deciding what to order. They can then order through a delivery application, and drivers receive the order on the app, too. The order is delivered to the customer and they enjoy the restaurant experience without ever making direct contact with the restaurant.
Are virtual restaurants profitable? This is an important question to ask for any culinary professional who's considering moving into the online world. In most cases, the answer is yes! In fact, moving into the virtual marketplace can offer a restaurant more tools for making a profit. While an in-person dining experience has a limited potential for profit, an online operation offers a greater potential for revenue. Delivery applications can often boost sales substantially and improve a restaurant's bottom line.
In addition to the potential for greater profits, a virtual restaurant setup can allow restaurants to expand their clientele. Delivery apps, social media presence, and online marketing are just a few of the tools a virtual restaurant can use to reach customers who might have never seen their brick-and-mortar store. An online presence simply offers greater visibility, which is an asset to any eatery. Restaurants that shift operations online should still retain their restaurant insurance, though. Restaurant insurance can provide coverage for exposures such as injury and property damage that still exist in the kitchen.
The emergence of the virtual restaurant offers a range of benefits, but perhaps the most important is the strength it lends to local eateries. There are so many events that can cause a restaurant to shut down its storefront, and with no other means of operating, this can cause a restaurant to go bankrupt. The virtual restaurant model offers an alternative that can make establishments stronger and more profitable no matter what.
At RMS Hospitality Group, our expertly crafted policies are written specifically for the hospitality industry. We offer custom tailored solutions to meet any venue's specific needs. For more information, contact our knowledgeable experts today at (888) 359-8390.
At RMS and associated firms, business continues as usual. Our staff is remote-capable and available to handle all partners, brokers, and insureds at the present time.
