RESTAURANTS EXPAND GROCERY OFFERINGS TO E-COMMERCE SITES

When restaurants were forced to close dine-in operations at the start of the coronavirus crisis, a number converted their spaces into grocery stores. Since supermarkets were deemed essential businesses, a storefront selling food and other staples for housebound consumers fell under the same umbrella.

In the beginning, most operators offered a limited selection of produce, meat, eggs, milk and other necessities—including those scarce rolls of toilet paper. Foodservice distributor Sysco even helped its restaurant customers set up and stock retail outlets. But as the pandemic dragged on, restaurants began peddling more unique items that consumers couldn’t buy elsewhere. And chefs went back into the kitchen to create signature grab-and-go meals, sauces, baked goods and more to fill their shelves and refrigerated cases.

Fast-forward several months and restaurants that can open are refocusing on feeding customers through takeout, delivery, patio dining and even table service indoors. But others are still running their grocery businesses to bring in an additional source of revenue during these tough times. And a few have branched out into e-commerce and delivery.