C-stores are considered essential businesses in most municipalities, which means your store is playing an important role during these unprecedented times. Building your grab-n-go hot food business can help keep revenue flowing by giving customers those quick, flavorful meals and snacks they’re craving. C-store grab-n-go success starts by addressing health concerns head-on and always paying close attention to best practices. Doing so will ensure that each customer leaves your store with complete confidence in the food they’re about to enjoy — and a strong desire to return again and again.

Address Current Health Concerns Head-On

The health of everyone in your community has never been more top-of-mind than right now. This leads to an obvious question: What precautions are you taking to protect the integrity of the food being served, as well as the health and safety of workers and customers? The FDA recommends “following protocols set by local and state health departments” and “coordinating with local health officials.” Revisiting the local guidelines in your area and following them in detail is the first step to addressing health concerns directly.

Focus on Food and Worker Safety

In addition to specific guidelines for your municipality, the basics are still the basics — and always will be. There’s never been a more important time to stress the importance of adhering to best practices for food and worker safety established by the CDC and FDA:

Handwashing: Remind workers that washing hands in accordance with CDC guidelines has never been optional and never will be.
Gloves: Revisit the FDA’s Food Code guidelines for wearing gloves during food prep and make sure workers remain in compliance.
Sanitation: You’ll also want to review and follow Food Code guidelines for best practices when sanitizing surfaces and equipment.
Physical distancing: Whenever possible, workers should maintain the six feet of recommended distance between each other.

Sell Grab-n-Go Menu Items with Confidence

Consider using signage to let customers know the steps you’re taking to ensure the overall safety of their grab-n-go meal or snack. Workers should also be ready to answer specific questions about what your c-store grab and go is doing to protect everyone’s health and safety.

Now that you’ve put yourself in a position to succeed with your grab-n-go offering, you’ll also want to make sure you’re quite literally equipped for the challenge. Our care for customers along with the reliability of our ovens makes us the solution c-stores count on to keep revenue flowing — in both good and challenging times. To learn more about us, visit oventionovens.com today.