How big food and beverage brands are inspiring in light of the crisis
Tragically, nearly all of our restaurant clients closed their doors and laid off workers this past week.
During these times of darkness the stories of resilience, inspiration, generosity,and most of all creativity from the biggest food and beverage brands in the industry are always inspiring.
I wanted to share a few, in hopes that it can spark some waysfor all small businesses to think differently, not only now, but for future planning when we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Bud Light sponsors a virtual concert
Plenty of homebound pop stars have performed virtual concerts during the coronavirus outbreak. But on Friday night Bud Light sponsored its first “Bud Light Dive Bar Tour: Home Edition,” featuring country music star Jake Owen. Owen performed from his house and it was streamed on his Instagram Live page with the messaging “Come have some beers and hang with us.” By about 10 pm EDT the show drew about 4,000 live viewers! The show was free, but Owen and Bud Light solicited donations to the American Red Cross.
Looking for ‘dining bonds’?
In a sign of what those in the restaurant industry are trying to do for operators, an initiative called “Dining Bonds” was announced as a way to suggest customers support smaller restaurants that can’t stay open. The idea is for consumers to pay up front for gift certificates, often offered at a discount, from a growing list of restaurants, and is being led by two PR firms, HP-PR and Hall PR. Then, consumers can redeem the gift certificates at a later date once restaurants resume service.
Miller Lite starts ‘virtual tip jar’ to support out-of-work bartenders
It’s rare, if not unprecedented, for a beer brand to feature a completely empty bar in its marketing. But these are not normal times. Miller Lite tweeted an image of a desolate drinking hole as part of a new campaign called “#VirtualTipJar” aimed at raising money for bartenders that have been sidelined as bars close in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The tweet includes a link to the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program run by the United States Bartender’s Guild National Charity Foundation. Miller Lite owner Molson Coors has chipped in $1 million. Liquor marketer Beam Suntory has also pledged a $1 million donation to the bartender program and the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation.
Chipotle offers Zoom lunches with celebrities
Chipotle Mexican Grill is trying to put an uplifting spin on the situation by offering “Chipotle Together” virtual hangouts on Zoom. Each day this week, 3,000 fans will be able to mingle virtually with celebrities in online chats that will also include codes for free entrées. Monday’s chat, scheduled for 2 p.m. ET, is set to be co-hosted by “The Bachelor” Colton Underwood, “who will chat with fans and walk them through a Chipotle-inspired presentation,” Chipotle said. The company is sharing links to the Chipotle Together Zoom meetings on Twitter. In more serious details, Chipotle said it is using new tamper-evident packaging seals to reassure diners that food is untouched during delivery.
Domino’s and Jet’s Pizza among chains promoting available jobs
Domino’s and Jet’s Pizza are two of the chains seeking service industry workers who may be struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic to come work for them as delivery drivers and in other roles. Domino’s, the world’s largest pizza chain, says open positions at its shops include delivery, pizza makers, customer service representatives, managers and assistant managers. Domino’s U.S. supply chain operation is also looking for Class A CDL drivers. Jet’s Pizza Opportunities | Dominos jobs
The CA Alcohol and Beverage Commission has lightened some of their regulations
There are a number of changes, but the big one is that restaurants that offer food service and have a Type 41 (beer and wine) or Type 47 (liquor) license can now prepare cocktails, with a secure lid, and sell them to go, or via a third-party delivery app along with a (mandatory) food order. Another big change is that licensed businesses can now sell wine and spirits by the bottle to go! The previous off-sale conditions have been lifted for now. This will help a lot of restaurants still doing take out and delivery boost their sales. (Note: these laws can be complicated, so check with your attorney before launching a new program). Read about the new regulations here.