Savvy Restaurateurs Reinventing as Grocerants 

In 2019 it was widely reported that Americans were making less and less meals at home, and with that we saw the rise of grocery stores and retailers across the country begin to offer dine-in experiences to attract customers. In fact, restaurants have become one of the most successful ways for retailers to stand apart. Restaurants faced new competitors. 

Then the pandemic hit and the industry faced a new reality where 85 percent of independent restaurants could close by the end of 2020, according to the Independent Restaurant Coalition. Restaurant owners across the country closed their doors, Americans stayed home to practice physical distancing and the country faced economic uncertainty like it hasn’t seen in years. 

Small businesses were arguably the most impacted by lockdowns brought on by COVID-19, and restaurants are some of the hardest hit. The National Restaurant Association estimates a loss of $25 billion in sales, forcing many to start thinking beyond their walls. What…