How Restaurants Worldwide Are Responding To The Global Ease On Lockdown
It goes without saying that the pandemic has shaped our reality so far, and will live in history books for a long time.
All over the world, countries are gradually taking steps to ease out lockdown restrictions, by setting curfews and allowing certain businesses to run between limited hours. This would be delightful news if there was a decline in the number of recorded COVID-19 cases worldwide. In The US, there are over currently 100,000 recorded deaths at the point of writing this article, while Nigeria is already on its way to hitting 10k cases.
The fact remains that people are hella tired of staying indoors and consuming the mess that is their own cooking. Now that the world’s glorified senior brother, America has granted access to restaurants and businesses in certain states to resume business, here’s a look at how the global hospitality industry is attempting to return to normalcy, it there’s ever going to be anything like that.
1. In Lagos, Nigeria, things remain the same with a few exceptions
As far as I can confirm at the time of writing this, dining rooms in Lagos are still closed, as restaurants continue to adjust to the new routine by offering takeout services. Despite the impact of the lockdown on restaurants and event-focused businesses in Lagos and Abuja, entrepreneurs are finding creative ways to entertain people and also stay afloat. For instance, Genesis Cinemas is scheduled to host its first-ever drive-in movie in Abuja this weekend, and in Lagos, an ambitious attempt at a drive-through concert in Lagos is also making rounds on social media.
2. It will take months, if not years for the restaurant industry in America to recover
As an industry that thrives on social interactions, the hospitality industry is one of those worst hit by the pandemic. Beyond the pandemic, the margins in this industry were already limited, as we discussed in our new podcast, Unit Economics. This was further demonstrated in Eater’s report, detailing why it will take bailouts and not just a vaccine to save the industry from the impact of COVID-19.
From hesitant restaurant guests to anxious restaurant staff worried about their safety, there are a lot of factors setting back restaurant owners despite the ease of lockdown. Not to mention the financial implications of business owners, who will have to start from scratch this period.
3. People in Dallas have started going back to clubs
Image credit: Kathy Tran for Eater
As soon as Texas governor, Greg Abbott announced the order allowing bars across the state to reopen at 25% capacity, people flocked to their favourite bars in drives, Eater reports. Well, this goes to show that people no longer care if “corona is outside”.
4. Social distancing is a hilarious, creative mess
Image credit: courtesy of the Inn at Little Washington.
From the fluffy toys and robots in Bangkok to the barriers and mannequins in Europe and America, restaurant owners are devising hilarious ways to maintain social distancing while making up for the empty spaces in their dining rooms.
5. McDonald’s Is Set To Reopen In The UK
Well, not officially, though. In March, the global food chain shut down all outlets in the UK after concerns were raised about the safety of its employees. Going by the announcement from the official Twitter account yesterday, all drive-throughs in the UK will reopen next week.
6. In Canada, people are dining outdoors
As you’re well aware, Canada is not playing when it comes to their COVID-19 regulations. And so, their dining rooms remain closed with allowance for indoor dining, with social distancing in place as usual. While the country is relaxing the lockdown restrictions, it is currently unclear if dining rooms will open any time soon. Looks like guests will have to contend with dining outdoors in the sweltering summer heat this year.