AutoQuotes staff recently published a State of the Industry report, based on data they have gathered from across the industry.
Online Resources for COVID-19 Information
Organizations are working together to provide small businesses and nonprofits up-to-date information about COVID-19 and its effects. These pages and more information is available here.
Operating Your Business During COVID-19
In this environment, self-assessments are not enough. The Checked by NSFTM program offers businesses independent verification of COVID-19 preventive measures, providing reassurance that the highest level of procedures and protocols is implemented. View the NSF verification information here.
MAFSI Releases the Q1 2020 Foodservice Business Barometer
After 40 quarters, or 10 years, of positive growth the MAFSI Business Barometer turned negative in Q1/20 with an abrupt decline of -6.9% overall. The Barometer had already slowed to a mere +2.2% in Q4/19 with a forecast of +2.0% for Q1/20, when COVID-19 suddenly hit and threw all projections out the window. Read more.
Envision Strategies and Ricca Design Studios Conduct Roundtables with Campus Dining Operations Administrators
Since March of this year, Envision Strategies and Ricca Design Studios have been in conversation with our clients and friends in at least 33 campus dining operations. From community colleges to the Ivy Leagues, we’ve explored the ideas, challenges and concerns surrounding the COVID-19 epidemic and looked at which changes are being considering for the Fall 2020 semester and beyond. Learn more.
http://www.envstrategies.com/news/2020/6/4/covid-19-ideation-resources-for-college-and-university-dining
Compass Restaurant Consulting & Research Impact Report #8
Compass released its latest report on the state of the foodservice industry on May 25. Access the full four-page report here.
Datassentials Releases a new Forecasting Tool
The tool provides the user with the ability to forecast base on market segment (QSR, schools, B&S, etc.) and allows users to plug in the percentage of the business and the impact of COVID-19. A web-based version and the Excel version are both available. The web-based version will be updated as things change. The tool and new reports are available here: https://datassential.com/coronavirus/
Kroger Grocery Shares Lessons Learned
Kroger’s Blueprint for Businesses is intended to be a resource for businesses of all sizes and sectors of the economy, providing recommendations, insights, best practices and downloadable creative assets to help businesses navigate the next phase of this unprecedented pandemic.
ConstructConnect
ConstructConnect helps commercial construction firms streamline pre-construction. The company is publishing a COVID-19 Construction Activity Report.
Harvest America Network
Harvest America hosts the Culinary Cues blog with posts from restauranteur Paul Sorgule. A post from April 13 focuses on the post-COVID kitchen.
Compass Restaurant Consulting & Research
Compass is consulting firm that provides their clients with monthly industry insights and commentary on Our firm provides clients with monthly fundamental industry insight and commentary on leading Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR), Fast Casual and Casual Dining concepts. They put together a COVID-19 impact report available here.
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
The IFMA is continuously updating a COVID-19 website with new resources in the form of whitepapers, best practice worksheets, research, and more. Their website is available at http://ifmaworld.com/
Small Business Legislative Council Webinar
The SBLC hosted a webinar on Tuesday, April 7, that provided some guidance on the CARES Act for small businesses. Notes from the webinar are available here. The full webinar is available to members here: https://fcsi.site-ym.com/page/CARES
US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, FAQ Site
The Department of Labor is preparing for the implementation of the Families Fierst Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The DOL created a page of FAQs that provides answers to most of the biggest and most pressing questions regarding the FFCRA.
Datassential Coronavirus Reports
Datassential produced five (and counting) reports with data about COVID-19 and the foodservice industry. The latest report from April 10 is available here: https://datassential.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Datassential-Coronavirus11-04-10-20.pdf
National Restaurant Association
Congress has passed the next round of relief and recovery legislation to help businesses and employees tackle the coronavirus crisis. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. NRA developed a summary of the bill’s key provisions for restaurants, foodservice establishments, and their employees. The association also created this printable industry-specific guide for owners and operators.
Collegiate Dining’s Response to COVID-19
Given the rapidly changing environment surrounding COVID-19, the National Association of College & University Food Services has gathered content shared via their member discussion list.
Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry
North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
NAFEM is compiling resources for businesses, employers, and employees. The site also has links to public health information and travel restrictions.