Preparing for winter weather can be challenging for restaurants, but proper preparation can help ensure that they operate successfully in difficult circumstances. Restaurant owners should take the time to review the maintenance, floor care, and available insurance coverage to ensure that their business is protected from the elements. Additionally, updating the menu can help keep customers returning despite the cold temperatures.
We have compiled a list of 5 helpful tips to prepare your restaurant for the winter months. Read on to learn more:
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Review all systems and check if they are in order
Regular maintenance is key for any restaurant, but it is especially important during winter. Restaurant owners should have their HVAC system, water heaters, and other equipment serviced and inspected to ensure they are in good working order.
Additionally, the restaurant should be prepared for any potential power outages. Having a backup generator or other emergency power source can help prevent any losses during a power outage. Pest control is another neglected maintenance aspect you must consider before the long winter months.
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Reassess your insurance coverage
Restaurant owners should also review their insurance coverage to make sure that their valuable assets are adequately protected in the event of liability claims resulting from different issues such as:
- slip and fall incidents
- alcohol-related fiascos
- food-borne illnesses
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Remove snow and sleet
When removing snow and sleet covering the restaurant’s roof and floors, it is important to take the necessary steps to keep customers safe. It helps to have a plan to remove snow and sleet from the parking lot, sidewalks, and entrances. Additionally, you can use salt to prevent snow and ice from forming on the sidewalks and entrances.
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Keep the floor dry
Make sure the floors of your restaurant are well-maintained and regularly cleaned. Additionally, mats should be placed at entrances to prevent snow and sleet from entering the restaurant. Keeping the floor clean and dry also reduces the chances of mishaps resulting in lower liability claims.
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Update the menu to keep up with winter tastes
The colder temperatures of winter can make it difficult to entice customers to come to the restaurant. So, consider updating the menu to offer dishes that are more suited to the winter season. These may include delicious soups, stews, and hearty casseroles that will keep customers warm and cozy during the cold winter months and encourage them to visit your restaurant again and again.
For more information on how to keep your business hot during the cold winter months and other details about our hospitality insurance programs, contact our team at RMS Insurance Brokerage LLC, today.