The pandemic changed how and what we eat. Will that stick in 2021?
Doug Roth, of Playground Hospitality, shares his optimism for a resurgence in restaurant patronage with the Chicago Tribune.
Listen NowPotbelly Launches Another Turnaround
The chain must figure out its competitive advantage—a soul search it failed at during its last revamp—and translate that to the online ordering world. "You put your brand in the bag," says Doug Roth, founder and president of Chicago-based restaurant consultancy Playground Hospitality. "You need to be able to figure out how to do that."
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With capacity severely limited, fall and winter look bleak for the Restaurant Industry
1 in 6 have already closed and we are looking at another 40% that will close in the next few months if there's not government intervention. You have to be able to create a menu at this point that can be appealing to pick-up and delivery customers. Comfort food has become very popular.
Listen NowWhat will it take to make diners feel safe? Sterilizing UV Wands, Air Purifiers, and More.
Some restaurants are forgoing the headache of air quality investments and tent cities altogether and plan to ride out winter by focusing on carryout and delivery, said Doug Roth, president of restaurant consultancy Playground Hospitality.
Read MoreSeveral ‘Personas’ Visit Restaurants During Pandemic
A survey commissioned by the guest experience platform Seven Rooms identifies what restaurant patrons are looking for as they dine out during the pandemic. Doug Roth of Playground Hospitality in Chicago joins the Noon Business Hour.
Listen NowChicago Restaurant Owners Lobby City to Raise Indoor Dining Capacity Before Weather Cools
The Illinois Restaurant Association has been lobbying the city of Chicago to raise indoor dining capacity from 25% to 50%, but that may not be enough to help some owners.
Read MoreWill America still go out to eat? One restaurateur’s moment of truth.
Since April, when 4 in 10 restaurants had closed their doors, some have reopened, propped up by a spray of federal dollars and, in some cases, rent reprieves from landlords, but they’re not yet on a firm footing.
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Restaurant Red Flags: How To Know Where To Dine Might Not Be Fine
Americans are on pace to set a new record for spending on dining out this year. To prepare for the massive restaurant crowd, Founder and President of Playground Hospitality Doug Roth joined the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss the red flags that could signal an eatery may not be up to snuff.
Listen NowTakeout gets a makeover: How COVID-19 is forcing restaurants to improve the to-go experience
Takeout pricing is even higher at some restaurants because of the additional costs of packaging and third-party delivery platforms
Read MoreCoronavirus: The Coming New Reality For Restaurants
What will the new reality be for restaurants? It’s going to be tough for many eateries to make a go of it, once restrictions are eased, says Doug Roth, founder and president of Playground Hospitality in Chicago. Initially, restaurants will not be able to reopen at full capacity.
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