👻 ghost kitchens as public policy

Oct 7, 2020

Ghost kitchens may be eroding the restaurant industry. Can (and should) they help them hang on during the second wave? 🌊

Head on over to the National Post (or buy one!) and let me know what you think. 👇

Patios will be closing soon and it is estimated that ~60% of Canadian restaurants face possible closure this fall;
COVID cases mean it’s not going to be safe to eat indoors, but people may continue to order delivery. Despite industry-commissioned surveys on trust, it is simply not responsible for decision-makers to advocate dining-in during this second wave.
The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program is dunzo;
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce asked for 3 things in the Speech from the Throne:
1. A commitment that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will be continued into 2021 and its scope will reflect a long-term recovery;
2. A commitment that an new, improved and long-term commercial rent relief program will be introduced addressing the well documented difficulties and sector specific needs; and,
3. Our leaders will start encouraging Canadians to safely visit our restaurants.
The industry is [also] seeking (or at least floating the idea of) a meal subsidy.
What if we subsidized delivery instead? And helped restaurants temporarily offload their real estate obligations?
As delivery surges, it is also worth asking ourselves what our expectations for a “good” ghost kitchen are; likely a delivery option that centers workers and offers benefits.
There is an opportunity to revolutionize and improve the low bar that gig delivery platforms have established and introduce a more responsible model while also supporting restaurants in the interim.