Updated as of May 11, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. EDT.
As the world copes with the coronavirus (COVID-19), businesses have been navigating their response to the pandemic. To that end, we at Aislelabs are compiling a constantly updating resource for how F&Bs are responding to the crisis around the world.
By providing a summary of all publicly available information from F&Bs around the world, we hope to help you understand what other F&Bs are implementing to help combat this virus. We’re also making available some simple anonymous aggregated information that we hope to give F&B operators updated data from which to make informed decisions. All F&Bs are grouped by region and listed alphabetically with links to the original sources included for further information.
This article is a work-in-progress and will be updated frequently to bring you current information on what is being done to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We hope that, along with following government health and safety guidelines, this will be an indispensable resource for professionals in the food & beverage industry. If there are any questions or feedback, you can contact us via email.
F&Bs in General
Most food and beverage retailers continue to operate as it is considered an essential service. However, most F&B outlets have closed their dining areas and are only allowing delivery, take-out, and drive-thru. In some high impacted regions, however, there have been closures to restaurants. Of the F&B venues that remain open, they have been reinforcing procedures for food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene.
Infographic below shows how COVID-19 pandemic is already affecting F&Bs across the globe.
Data insights from the Aislelabs Platform as of April 6, 2020
- All food & beverage venues were relatively stable throughout January and February.
- All food & beverage venues saw a significant downtrend in visits by mid to late March.
- The Middle East saw less visits beginning as far back as the first week of March.
General insights as of May 11, 2020, all information categorized by region and alphabetized.
- Many F&B outlets remain open as restaurants are considered an essential service.
- Some locations have reduced operating hours while others continue to operate at regular hours.
- Locations in Latin America remain largely open.
- In highly impacted regions, some venues have closed temporarily.
- Many stores have implemented a to-go model offering drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only.
- F&B delivery services (such as Uber Eats and Foodora) have expanded to convenience store and alcohol delivery.
- Many locations have closed their dining areas.
- Reinforcing procedures for food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene.
- Reusable containers are no longer allowed at stores.
- Employees identified that have travelled to a highly impacted area or are showing symptoms are requested to self isolate.
- Some stores have created funds for employees affected by the virus.
- Brew pubs have been using their equipment to create hand sanitizer.
Regions
Click the links below to jump to the region of your choice within this article.
North America
Most F&B outlets are still open but operating a to-go model. Dining areas remain closed but drive-thru, delivery, and take-out are still operating. Cleaning of high traffic areas and touch points has increased and staff has been trained in safety protocols. Any staff showing symptoms have been asked to stay home. In the case of brew pubs or other spirit facilities, some have modified their equipment to produce hand sanitizer gel.
Brasserie Memere
A small french restaurant and bar located in Closter, New Jersey.
March 16, 2020: Restaurant closed until further notice.
Burger King
An American chain of hamburger fast food restaurants headquartered in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
March 16, 2020: Operating from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant. In contact with government experts and other restaurant chains to learn and share effective protocols.
Dairy Queen
An American multinational chain of soft serve ice cream and fast-food restaurants.
March 19, 2020: Operating hours are 10:00 am to 10:30 p.m. with drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only. They have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant and reinforcing procedures for food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene.
Dunkin’
An American multinational coffeehouse and donut company.
March 19, 2020: Operating hours have been reduced to 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Some locations are allowed to close where there are other nearby locations. Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice with all seating removed.
Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill
A family-run restaurant chain located in South Florida.
April 17, 2020: Operating take-out and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms.
KFC
An American fast food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
March 19, 2020: Operating hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and stores will be moving to contactless operations which includes delivery. Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant.
McDonald’s
An American fast food company founded in San Bernardino, California, United States.
April 7, 2020: Installed plexiglas sneeze guards and implemented contact-free service procedures. Offering curbside pick-up through the McDonald’s app to truck-drivers, paramedics and essential service workers whose vehicles don’t fit through the drive-thrus.
March 21, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant. PlayPlaces in restaurants have been closed and most events have been suspended. Reusable containers are no longer accepted for beverages.
Mill St. Brewery
A Canadian brewery that operates brew pubs in several Canadian cities.
March 14, 2020: Operating hours have been reduced to 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant. All stores temporarily being changed to a to-go model only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Any staff who are sick or displaying symptoms are not permitted to work and can only return with a physician’s approval. Have modified their brewing facilities to create hand sanitizer.
Panera Bread
An American chain of bakery/café fast casual restaurants headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
March 23, 2020: Operating hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. All deliveries are contactless and will be dropped off at the doorstep.
Pizza Nova
A Canadian franchise chain of pizzerias headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
April 20, 2020: Developed new social distancing guidelines and only allowing 1 to 5 customers in a store (depending on customer area size). Installed floor decals and plexiglass shields as well as a new screening process for employees. Safety seals are being used on pizza boxes to ensure no unnecessary contact is made with food after it is prepared.
March 18, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours. Operating take-out and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Reinforcing procedures for food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene. Identifying employees who have recently travelled to, or been in close contact with, countries with a high risk level to self-isolate for 14 days.
Popeye’s
An American fast food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken and headquartered in Miami, Florida.
March 19, 2020: Operating from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m with drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only. All in-restaurant dining rooms are closed until further notice.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread
A family pizza and pasta restaurant with locations throughout Canada’s western provinces.
March 18, 2020: Operating from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m with take-out and delivery (where available) service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
South St. Burger
A Canadian premium hamburger restaurant chain.
March 13, 2020: Operating from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant. Use of gloves when handling food and employees exhibiting symptoms of sickness are prohibited from working. Temporarily modifying service procedures to reduce touch points and cross-contact.
Starbucks
An American coffee company and coffeehouse chain founded in Seattle, USA.
April 29, 2020: Planning on reopening stores which will be determined on a store-by-store basis. Some locations, where permitted, will be “grab and go.” Drive-thru and mobile orders are still currently in use.
April 17, 2020: Established Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program for partners facing extreme hardship as a result of COVID-19.
March 22, 2020: Operating hours have been reduced to 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for most stores with some closed in areas with high clusters of COVID-19 cases. All stores temporarily being changed to a to-go model only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Subway
An American restaurant franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches and salads.
March 14, 2020: Operating hours are 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. at most stores with a few locations open 24 hours. Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Increased hourly cleaning of restaurant and high touch points using disinfectant.
Taco Bell
An American chain of Mexican and Tex-Mex fast food restaurants headquartered in Irvine, California.
May 11, 2020: Has made curbside pick-up and Uber Eats delivery available as well as implemented contactless drive-thru service. All employees will wear gloves and masks will be made available for optional use.
March 18, 2020: Operating hours have been reduced to 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant. Reinforcing procedures for food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene. Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Tim Hortons
A fast food restaurant chain, specializing in coffee, doughnuts, and other fast food items headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
April 22, 2020: All employees to wear masks and have temperatures checked before shifts.
March 17, 2020: Operating hours have been reduced to 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a few branches open 24 hours. $40 million fund created to help sick team members affected by the virus. Any associate diagnosed with COVID-19 or advised to self-quarantine due to exposure to the virus will continue to be paid during that time. Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Wendy’s
An American international fast food restaurant chain headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.
March 18, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours. Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Aggregate Details for North American F&B
Using aggregated data from the Aislelabs platform, we can see what the overall change in F&B customer visits in North America is.
- North America saw a 41.31% decrease in average F&B visits from February to March.
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Europe / UK
Most restaurants in the UK and Europe have closed operations until further notice.
Costa Coffee
A British coffeehouse chain which is a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company headquartered in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.
April 22, 2020: Reopened two drive-thrus in Manchester and Mansfield near hospitals. Two stores in Manchester and Bristol have also reopened for delivery only and are serving a limited menu. Adapted procedures with enhanced hygiene, cleaning, and social distancing.
March 23, 2020: Most stores will be closed until further notice. However, coffee shops located in hospitals will remain open to provide free takeaway coffee to medical professionals.
Coffeeangel
A Dublin based coffeehouse chain.
March 17, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
FEBO
A chain of Dutch fast food outlets where customer purchase fries, burgers and beverages in a vending machine style process.
March 16, 2020: Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Flunch
A French cafeteria-style fast casual restaurant chain.
May 8, 2020: Reopening 30 restaurants to offer takeaway dishes.
March 15, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Greggs
The largest bakery chain in the United Kingdom specializing in savoury products such as bakes, sausage rolls, and sandwiches.
March 24, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
KFC UK
An American fast food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
April 29, 2020: Will have reopened 100 restaurants in the UK for delivery by May 4.
April 21, 2020: Reopening a small number of UK restaurants for delivery of limited menu items only.
March 20, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Kotipizza
The largest pizza chain located in the Nordic countries.
March 20, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours. No longer accepting cash to minimize risk of spreading the virus.
Leon
A fast food restaurant chain based in the United Kingdom specializing in “naturally fast food”.
Latest Update: Remains open for delivery only. Offering 50% discounts to medical professionals.
McDonald’s UK/Ireland
An American fast food company founded in San Bernardino, California, United States.
May 1, 2020: Will reopen 15 restaurants in the UK for delivery only and with a limited menu. Will increase cleaning and sanitization procedures and all restaurants will be deep cleaned before opening. Sneeze guards and floor decals will be used in specific areas to encourage social distancing and additional protective equipment will be used by employees. Contactless thermometers will be used on employees when they arrive for every shift.
April 28, 2020: Carrying out some operational tests to explore a potential and limited reopening.
March 22, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Nordsee
A German fast-food restaurant chain specializing in seafood.
March 18, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Pret a Manger
An international sandwich shop chain based in the United Kingdom.
May 11, 2020: Reopened a further 71 shops for takeaway and delivery. Installed plexiglass sneeze guards and are restricting the number of customers in shops.
April 30, 2020: Reopened a further 20 shops in London for takeaway and delivery starting May 1.
April 20, 2020: Reopened 10 stores near hospitals for healthcare workers with social distancing measures in place.
March 21, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Quick
Originally a Belgian chain of hamburger fast food restaurants based in Bobigny, Seine-Saint-Denis, France.
April 17, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Spudulike
A restaurant chain and franchise specializing in baked potatoes that first opened in Edinburgh in 1974.
March 26, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Teremok
A Russian chain specializing in crepes.
March 27, 2020: Some stores will be closed until further notice while others remain open for takeaway and delivery only.
Yo! Sushi
A company that owns, operates, and franchises conveyor belt sushi restaurants, principally in the United Kingdom along with parts of Europe and the Middle East.
March 26, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
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Middle East
Most locations continue to operate, however, in-store dining has been closed operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only. All locations have reinforced procedures for food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene.
Al Hallab Restaurant
A leading Lebanese brand specializing in casual dining and events catering.
March 24, 2020: All in-restaurant dining rooms closed until further notice but take-out and delivery service still operating normally.
Danial Restaurant
A restaurant with four branches: Twin Towers in Deira Dubai, Mazaya Center in the Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Crystal Plaza in Sharjah and Square Box in Ajman.
March 18, 2020: Ajman location is temporarily closed. All other locations are delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Kava and Chai
A chain of coffee and teahouses located in Dubai.
April 17, 2020: Temporarily closed until further notice.
March 18, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant.
Kulcha King
An Indian comfort food chain in the UAE that specializes in Kulcha.
March 30, 2020: Temporarily closed until further notice.
Semsom
A Lebanese restaurant chain with locations in throughout the Middle East
April 17, 2020: Temporarily closed until further notice.
Urban Seafood
A seafood restaurant franchise in the Middle East.
March 20, 2020: All stores providing delivery service only with a 30% discount.
Wafi Gourmet
A Lebanese cuisine restaurant located in Dubai.
March 25, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for take-out and delivery service only. All in-restaurant dining rooms closed until further notice.
Aggregate Details for Middle East F&B
Using aggregated data from the Aislelabs platform, we can see what the overall change in F&B customer visits in the Middle East is like.
- Middle East saw a 42.91% decrease in average F&B visits from February to March.
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Asia Pacific
Many locations remain open with increased procedures of food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene. Some locations in heavily affected areas have been closed. Most stores operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Amul
An Indian cooperative dairy company headquartered in Anand.
March 24, 2020: Continues to operate from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during India’s 21 day lockdown.
Café Coffee Day
An Indian café chain operating in six countries.
April 17, 2020: Opened for delivery only in select locations.
March 24, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Chai Point
An Indian tea company and a cafe chain which focus on the tea-based beverages.
April 2, 2020: Operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All medical health professionals at Max Hospital Vaishali are given free chai tea. Offering delivery with 40% off orders through online apps.
Eighteen Chefs
A Singapore based restaurant chain serving mainly Western cuisine.
April 17, 2020: Dine-in seating has been closed as of April 7 however take-away available at most locations.
March 30, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Floor decals installed between tables at 1-metre apart to inform customers of safe social distances. Now taking orders by phone and offering discounts on take-away orders.
Faasos
An Indian “food on demand” chain operating in Dubai and 34 cities across India.
March 21, 2020: Continues to operate from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Real-time temperature tracking of employees, staff, and kitchen are being measured and watched. All delivery will be through contactless delivery.
Freshness Burger
A Japanese fast food restaurant founded in 1992.
April 17, 2020: Operating hours have been reduced at all locations.
Jollibee
A Filipino multinational chain of fast food restaurants with locations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, East Asia, North America, and Europe.
March 24, 2020: Select locations across the Philippines are operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Locations in heavily affected areas remain closed. Implemented safety and social distancing protocols.
Max’s Restaurant
A Philippine-based multinational restaurant chain which serves fried chicken and other Filipino dishes.
April 17, 2020: Operating hours have been reduced to 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Operating take-out and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Oporto
An Australian fast food chain that specializes in Portuguese style chicken and hamburgers.
March 24, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours. Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant. Reusable containers are no longer accepted for beverages. All kitchen staff preparing orders while wearing gloves and cashiers will be sanitizing hands frequently. Preferring cashless payments to minimize customer/cashier contact. All napkins and cutlery has been removed from communal areas but can be provided by request. All delivery will be through contactless delivery.
Pastamania
A fast casual restaurant chain that offers mainly pasta and also sells pizza.
March 31, 2020: Several locations across Singapore have been temporarily closed until further notice while others have reduced hours of operation.
WoW! Momo
An Indian chain of fast food restaurants headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
March 29, 2020: Hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Home deliveries receive discounts up to 50% off. All delivered orders are kept in sealed packages to minimize contamination. A team of ten delivery people dedicated to serving seniors and the elderly across designated areas.
Zambrero
An Australian restaurant chain that serves Mexican style food.
March 18, 2020: Operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant.
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Latin America
F&Bs in Latin America remain largely open for business and operating at regular hours. A few have closed dining areas or closed all stores, depending on the region. Some are also providing incentives for delivery options.
Bembos
A Peruvian fast food chain specializing in hamburgers with Peruvian-influenced variations.
March 16, 2020: All stores will be closed until further notice.
Bob’s
The first Brazilian fast food chain.
March 21, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours. Some restaurants are operating drive-thru, take-out, and delivery service only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice. Reinforcing procedures for food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene. Offering hand sanitizer to employees and customers and employees required to wash hands every 30 minutes or whenever necessary.
Cocina Abierta
An Argentinian restaurant.
March 30, 2020: Temporarily closed until further notice.
March 18, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Some events have been postponed.
Churromania
An international franchise of Churro stores.
April 17, 2020: Temporarily closed until further notice.
Giraffas
A Brazilian fast-food chain founded in August 1981.
April 17, 2020: Most locations are temporarily closed until further notice. Open locations are providing meals via delivery.
Hamburguesas El Corral
A Colombian restaurant chain.
April 3, 2020: Operating hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reinforcing procedures provided by government health agencies and WHO for food safety, cleanliness, and staff personal hygiene. Offering delivery options and have brought food to both airports for travellers and hospitals for medical staff.
Koni Store
A Brazilian chain of Japanese food headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
April 17, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours, increased delivery coverage through third party services, and increased frequency of cleaning touch points using disinfectant.
Pollo Campero
A Latin American fast-food restaurant chain with locations in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Mexico, Spain, Bahrain, the United States, and Italy.
March 17, 2020: Several locations have closed while others have reduced operating hours. Offering free individual meals to first responders.
Pollo Feliz
Mexican chain of restaurants that specializes in grilled chicken.
March 27, 2020: Continues to operate at regular hours from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. All stores temporarily being changed to a to-go model only and have closed all in-restaurant dining rooms until further notice.
Spoleto
Brazilian franchise of Italian restaurants.
March 18, 2020: Operating hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Offering delivery promotions for online orders.
Típicas Empanadas
Columbian chain that serves chorizos, arepas, and fried cheese.
April 17, 2020: Temporarily closed until further notice.
Aggregate Details for Latin American F&B
Using aggregated data from the Aislelabs platform, we can see what the overall change in F&B customer visits in Latin America is like.
- Latin America saw a 28.75% decrease in average F&B visits from February to March.
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