Changing times have forced foodservice operators to get creative with their service models. While many operators are dialing in their delivery services, some are summoning customers right to their parking lots by offering carhop service. A throwback to the 1950s, carhop service is an old-style service model, where servers deliver food to people seated in their cars. Instead of dining in, customers drive in. Reminiscent of simpler times — and conducive to social distancing — it’s serving up some much-needed nostalgia (with a side of safety).
Interested in joining the carhop revival? Here’s what you need to know to implement it at your foodservice establishment.
Make the experience memorable
At a time when it pays to be clever, carhop service offers a fun way to keep revenue flowing. The retro service style is tried-and-true, so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but you can sweeten the customer experience by adding your own bells and whistles. Set yourself apart by adding a dash of personality. Outfit your staff in vintage uniforms, blare oldies in the parking lot, or if you have the right setup — project classic films onto your building. Have fun with it, and guests will be encouraged to come back for a one-of-a-kind experience. But, if the retro vibe doesn’t fit with your brand, don’t be afraid to give it your own on-brand spin, whether that’s upscale modern or other.
Capitalize on convenience
The beauty of the carhop service model is that you’re serving customers on-site. You don’t have to add the complexity of delivery operations, or worry about the typical concerns that come with delivery, such as longer wait times or lukewarm food. Since carhop customers are dining at your establishment, you have more control over challenging variables. As an added benefit, when customers are eating in their car, they’re often quicker than dine-in customers. Assuming you have the right staff and well-managed operations, here’s what that means for you: increased efficiency, faster customer turnover time, and (you guessed it) more sales.
Offer superb customer service
Just because carhop customers aren’t dining inside doesn’t mean you can slack on customer service. Hold your staff to high customer service standards, just as you would inside your establishment. Encourage servers to check in regularly, ask customers if they need refills, and be readily available for any customer service needs. If customers can get excellent customer service and quality food from the convenience of their car, you can bet they’ll be back again.
Play it safe
By now, you’re no stranger to exercising pandemic-related precautions. Keep it up for the safety of everyone. Practice social distancing, wear masks, and regularly wash your hands. But beyond those measures, remember some of the most basic foodservice safety practices, such as sanitizing your equipment and holding food at proper temperatures. As with any service model, the importance of sanitation and food safety can’t be stressed enough during times like these.
Invest in the right equipment.
With customers dining on-site, you have more control over the situation. But, you can’t successfully execute carhop service alone. The right equipment can make or break your operations. Make life easier for your servers, service faster for your customers, and keep your foods hot and flavor-fresh with holding equipment ranging from drawer warmers to holding cabinets, and heated shelves. There’s something for everyone.
Looking for other equipment to suit your carhop service needs? Look no further, we’ve got all your equipment needs covered, so you can deliver stellar carhop service. Check out our array of options here!
