There are many challenges these days. We've already mentioned staff. Today's episode is focusing on two challenges that are recurring for many independent cafe/restaurant owners at this time. 

CHALLENGE NUMBER ONE: Google Reviews. 

Perhaps the pandemic is making everyone more watchful of their reviews, or perhaps guests are putting their thoughts down in reviews. We have noticed more focus and interest and are giving you some useful information and data to keep you balanced. 

Google Best Practices:

https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122?hl=en

In 2016, the Pew Research Center revealed that 82 percent of American adults say they sometimes or always read online reviews for new purchases and restaurants. More than two-thirds of review readers believe that reviews are “generally accurate".

You can select the type of notifications you receive on your mobile device and in email. Find the settings on the web by signing in to Google My Business or on mobile device by installing Google My Business app. Once enabled, you will be notified when someone adds a review or upload a photo. Occasionally you will also receive notification reminding you to keep your business listing on Google Place up-to-date. I have also received emails containing coupon to try out Google Ads.

CHALLENGE NUMBER TWO:  Vaccines

By now we would have hoped to be moving toward 80% and above vaccines. If your staff are not vaccinated do they need time off? If staff are ill or showing symptoms of COVID, send them home immediately.  Do staff share concerns? Ask questions? Can you can help educate them? The truth of it is, if you are in hospitality you have a responsibility to protect your team, and your guests, and that means asking them to be vaccinated. The Delta variant is created an elevated concern. Seek the best information from scientists at NIH, through local mask mandates and observe CDC recommendations. 

We recognize that this episode is a small distillation of challenge in independent restaurants and the hospitality industry. We chose two. Feel free to let us know if there are more pressing issues.