Coaches’ Howlett: New Training, Monthly Features Return
Stacy Howlett, co-owner of Coaches Burger Bar, with locations in Austintown, Calcutta, Canton, Lisbon, Poland and Salem, is coming back strong, along with her husband, Patrick.
What are some ways your business is rebounding from the effects of COVID-19?
Throughout the restaurant shutdown, we continued to offer carry-out and delivery to our customers. During that time, we also ensured that our management and server staff was well-trained on safety and sanitation guidelines. Once we knew the Governor was going to allow us to reopen, we took extra steps to be sure we would be ready and fully compliant.
It has been very nice to see our dine-in customers again, and to help reassure them that we are doing everything we can to remove any concerns they may have with dining out. Our monthly featured burger and shake are back, we are offering happy hour specials, and we continue to have great carry-out support.
What’s been the reaction from customers so far?
Extremely well-received. It is very important to us that they “feel” safe. We are diligent in our reminders to our team and inspecting what we expect. We have many customers who have taken the time to compliment our efforts. That goes a long way. The team is working very hard to maintain all necessary precautions. We are beyond grateful for our community and their support. Whether it be via carry-out or now, dine-in, they have stepped up to show their support, and we couldn’t be prouder to live here and own businesses here.
What impact has the outbreak had on you personally?
As business owners, we employee people who rely on their paycheck to pay their bills and support their families. Having some employees laid off bothered us immensely. In addition, there has been such a level of uncertainty around this pandemic that we obviously have been worried about how we would be able to sustain our stores and pay our bills. Things are still very gray, but seemingly, going in the right direction. Personally, just having overall concerns for our children and our parents, and keeping them safe and healthy.
What advice are you sharing with the people you love?
Be smart, be precautious. Have your mask, wash your hands. Don’t be around anyone who has been sick.