Tim Hortons outlines plans for reopening dining rooms

Restaurant Brands International — parent company to Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes — has outlined their intentions in the journey towards reopening dining rooms.

Throughout the last eight weeks, RBI restaurant locations across North America have operated drive-thru, delivery, and mobile channels in order to continue serving customers.

The company says that now, as the nation shifts “from crisis mode to recovery mode” restaurants are moving into the phase of reopening dining rooms according to guidance from local authorities.

Aspects of these quick-service eateries, the company says, need to change, for the foreseeable future and potentially for good. Examples of such changes include mandated masks, which may be transitioned to more comfortable, reusable garments that become a uniform standard.

Hundreds of new restaurants have been added to delivery apps while mobile order-and-pay, and curbside pick-up offerings, have been expanded. Further, acrylic shields have been installed alongside the implementation of contactless service at most locations, and “safe distance” rules are set in place, regardless of community requirements.

Also in these restaurants, customers will find tabletop signage indicating which seats are available and which are reserved to preserve distancing. Tables and chairs are being sanitized after each use, with sanitizer available for guests as well. Self-serve offerings have been moved behind the counter, too.

The company was also early to implement temperature checks for team members.

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“As we read all the stories about our communities re-opening, all of the focus is understandably on ways to continue to keep us apart. But one of the most normal things in our lives is coming together. And that often includes sitting down with your family or friends and enjoying a meal together at a restaurant,” reads an open letter from Jose Cil, the CEO of RBI.

“We are working very hard to continue to build your confidence in the measures we are taking to keep you safe in our restaurants – so you can more quickly return to a sense of comfort and normalcy in bringing your family inside to sit down for a meal.”

RBI says that staff are being rigorously trained on health and safety protocols, so that when customers return to dining rooms, they can feel safe, comfortable, and welcome.

In terms of the exact day that Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes dining rooms will reopen, the company says, “more to come.”