Spotlight Series: Spreading Cheer in Isolation

Apricot Stone

People in the hospitality industry are feeling lost. Without those fun, human interactions that once fueled their livelihood, restaurant workers are looking for ways to inject some vibrancy back into their guest experience.

Ara Ishkhanian, owner of the Armenian restaurant Apricot Stone in Philadelphia wanted to duplicate the dining out experience in an at-home setting, and maintain strong relationships with his guests, so he took a unique and lighthearted approach to the situation. The restaurant created a virtual dine-in experience in which guests make a reservation then place their order over video call with Ishkhanian. He dresses up as a server and guides guests through the menu while standing in front of a set table. The food is then made and delivered, and Ishkhanian follows up after his in-house delivery fleet notifies him it’s been dropped off. Talk about good virtual service!

Although it’s a bit silly, guests are missing the restaurant environment, and this is a great way for restaurants like the Apricot Stone to show their community how much they value their customer experiences.

Trax Pub and Grill

Other restaurants are brainstorming how they can bring their own special touch to guest interactions as well. Ever heard of dancing dinosaur pizza deliveries? Now you have.

Ayden Wilber, director of operations at Trax Pub and Grill in New York, got the idea after seeing blow-up dinosaur costumes online and thought that running some deliveries in them could help spread joy and laughter. Geared up in their dinosaur costumes and dancing down driveways to “Uptown Funk” to complete deliveries, the pair of dinos did just that.

One family recorded this rare phenomenon and the video went viral across social media – with the pub soon having requests for the dancing dinosaurs to make deliveries outside of their specified delivery zones!

To learn what other creative brands are doing to build customer relationships during this time, connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and check out our site for more COVID-19 related resources. 

As the restaurant industry deals with massive change, we’re spotlighting the brands that are spreading positive messages and uplifting their customers during this isolating time. Many have lessons to teach us all as they work to foster a deep emotional connection with their community.