2020 has been a hard year for many businesses. For those that have been able to survive, it can be challenging to look toward the future of 2021 with an eye of hope, especially if you’re a small business that’s barely been keeping it together.

Many of the businesses that have failed post-coronavirus have been restaurants. But for those who’ve managed to stay in business, there are things you can start doing now that will help make 2021 another year where you get to keep your doors open. To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for keeping your restaurant afloat in 2021.

Make Delivery Easy

Depending on where your business is and what the rules and regulations are for that area, you may or may not be able to open your restaurant’s dining area to the public. If this is the case, you’ve got to find another way to offer your food and service to patrons.

One way to do this is to offer your food for pick-up or delivery. If you choose to do delivery, which will be more convenient for your customers and could encourage more people to eat with you, Steve Blank, a contributor to the Harvard Business Review, recommends that you try to automate the delivery process as much as possible. If you’re safely able to do this, your new push for delivery could be a huge boost to your business. 

Offer Something Different And Valuable

If you’re going to get enough business to survive 2021, you’ve got to find a way to offer something different and valuable to the people in your area so that they’ll choose to get food or other items from you. While you shouldn’t necessarily revamp your entire business, Skye Schooley, a contributor to Business.com, shares that you should look into providing something that expands the core of your business in a beneficial way. 

For some, this might include offering something along with the food you provide. In other instances, you may want to include compostable packaging for your delivery and takeout options. Promoting professionalism in the preparation of your food via online food handler’s certification training is an increasingly visible way to communicate your concern for producing high quality food in a dining industry that continues to grapple with the impact of COVID-19. As long as what you’re offering sets you apart from other restaurants in a positive way, it should be advantageous for you. 

Let Patrons Know How They Can Help

Most people are now aware that they should be trying their best to help local businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not everyone knows how to do this other than purchasing food, which isn’t always possible.

According to Ali Wunderman, a contributor to SFGate.com, if your restaurant is able, you should offer gift cards, merchandise, and other items that patrons can buy to support you. If you have these things available, make sure you share this information with your customers so they can know how to help you. 

If you have a restaurant that you’re worried about keeping afloat into 2021, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you with this goal.