Historically, pandemics and plagues have slowed the fine dining industry to a shuddering halt. We’re seeing this now with the COVID-19 virus; we’ve seen it before with smallpox, the flu and other illness that have swept the globe.

Now, as we turn the calendar to 2021, as more people receive vaccines and the weather gradually gets warmer – we’re left to wonder; What happens next? Where do we go from here?

If you’re a restaurant owner, you’re probably wondering just how to re-establish that sense of cozy confidence that will help get people in your doors (safely). To get there, it’s simple: The name of the game is comprehensive cleanliness. You’ve always placed a priority on keeping your counters and tables spic-and-span.

Now, it’s just time to take antiviral cleaning measures to the next level.

Let’s talk about your goals – as well as the best ways to make them happen.

Goal #1: You want your restaurant to be safe.  

When people are eating and drinking in your establishment, they’re more susceptible to any tiny organisms in your environment that are ready to wreak havoc on their personal health. Your first job? Get rid of those organisms.

Fortunately, this is simple – as long as you’re working with the right product. To have the cleanest, safest place possible, you need parallel disinfecting and antimicrobial strategies. Find a that does both, and you’ll be as good as gold.

Goal #2: You want your patrons to have confidence in your environment.

In the wake of COVID-19, your patrons are likely leery of letting their guard down long enough to enjoy a nice meal. You can put their minds at ease by educating yourself about the precautions you’re taking – and letting your customers know that you’ve invested in disinfecting and antimicrobial measures. Posting that information or letting your patrons know that you know what to do will help them feel safer about trusting you and your restaurant.

Goal #3: You want to establish an aesthetic (and antiseptic) ambiance for all guests who walk through your doors.  

It’s hard to tell, visually, that a space is devoid of viruses and bacteria; after all, they’re microscopic and not visible to the human eye. What your patrons will be looking for is evidence that your place is completely clean.

With a good all-purpose cleaner that also contains disinfecting properties, you’ll be able to get that glossy sheen on your surfaces that will tell your visitors, subconsciously, that your restaurant has been meticulously prepared for their arrival.

Here’s how to disinfect your space.  

Select a specific cleaning or disinfecting agent that will do what you want it to do (or find a multi-action spray to keep your life simple). Then, spray that solution on your targeted surfaces from 4-6 inches away. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes as directed before wiping thoroughly to avoid streaks. The exact dwell time will depend on the solution. Therefore, it’s important to read and follow the instructions on the bottle.

Tip: target these places, too.

It’s easy to go above and beyond to disinfect your restaurant thoroughly – only to forget to target the truly insidious nooks and crannies that could keep viruses alive and well in your space. As you sweep through your premises, make sure you remember to disinfect the following common culprits of COVID-19 contamination:

• Your phone. Each of us checks our phones many, many times per day – often without washing our hands or paying attention to what else we’ve recently touched. Give that a good cleaning to keep your environment germ-free.
• Light switches, faucets, and door handles: These high-touch spots are easy to miss, but likely hold high concentrations of contaminants.
• Technology: If you have remote controls, thermostats, security keypads or televisions in your restaurant, focus on them as well: People touch them frequently but often miss cleaning them regularly.

Interested in finding a trustworthy antimicrobial disinfectant to help you open your restaurant more efficiently and effectively? Try MicroGold® Multi-Action Disinfectant Antimicrobial Spray. It’s safe to use in your establishment, and – equally importantly – it’s been tested and proven effective to kill the COVID-19 virus in three minutes.