---
title: Check out these 3 ways restaurant owners are evolving their businesses
description: Discover how restaurant owners are adapting to the changing landscape. Explore meal plans, dual roles, and grocery/artisan food sales.
image: https://blog.concklin.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Meal_Kit.jpg
---

[Skip to content](https://blog.concklin.com/blog/covid-a-year-of-change-for-restaurants.html#main-content)

[facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/ConcklinInsurance) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/concklin-insurance-agency) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/ConcklinA) [youtube icon](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_HnJQ4S_USSxBJkauXwu6A)

[**Contact Our Team**](https://insurance.concklin.com/compare-quotes#CLQuoteRequest)

**[630-268-1600](tel:+16302681600)**

**[Contact Our Team](https://insurance.concklin.com/compare-quotes#CLQuoteRequest)**

**[630-268-1600](tel:+16302681600)**

[![Concklin Logo-1](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Concklin%20Logo-1.png?width=314&height=100&name=Concklin%20Logo-1.png)](https://insurance.concklin.com/)

- About Us
  
  Show submenu for About Us 
  
    - [Our Story](https://insurance.concklin.com/about-us-who-we-are)
    - [Our Team](https://insurance.concklin.com/meet-our-team)
    - [Contact Us](https://insurance.concklin.com/contact-us)
- [Markets & Industries](https://insurance.concklin.com/industry-specific-insurance-programs)
- [Business Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/business-insurance-coverage)
- [Personal Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/personal-lines-insurance-coverage)
- Life & Health Insurance
  
  Show submenu for Life & Health Insurance 
  
    - [Life Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/life-insurance)
    - [Health Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/health-insurance)
- Resources
  
  Show submenu for Resources 
  
    - [Claims Resources](https://insurance.concklin.com/claims-resources)
    - [Cyber Resources](https://insurance.concklin.com/cyber-insurance-resources)
    - [Blog](https://blog.concklin.com/)
    - [Video Library](https://blog.concklin.com/video-library)
    - [Client Portal](https://insurance.concklin.com/client-portal)
- [Make A Payment](https://concklin.appliedpay.com/)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- About Us
  
  Show submenu for About Us 
  
    - [Our Story](https://insurance.concklin.com/about-us-who-we-are)
    - [Our Team](https://insurance.concklin.com/meet-our-team)
    - [Contact Us](https://insurance.concklin.com/contact-us)
- [Markets & Industries](https://insurance.concklin.com/industry-specific-insurance-programs)
- [Business Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/business-insurance-coverage)
- [Personal Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/personal-lines-insurance-coverage)
- Life & Health Insurance
  
  Show submenu for Life & Health Insurance 
  
    - [Life Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/life-insurance)
    - [Health Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/health-insurance)
- Resources
  
  Show submenu for Resources 
  
    - [Claims Resources](https://insurance.concklin.com/claims-resources)
    - [Cyber Resources](https://insurance.concklin.com/cyber-insurance-resources)
    - [Blog](https://blog.concklin.com/)
    - [Video Library](https://blog.concklin.com/video-library)
    - [Client Portal](https://insurance.concklin.com/client-portal)
- [Make A Payment](https://concklin.appliedpay.com/)

---

 Apr 7, 2021, 12:00:00 AM

# Check out these 3 ways restaurant owners are evolving their businesses

![Picture of Amanda Yaniz](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Amanda%20Yaniz.jpeg?width=50&name=Amanda%20Yaniz.jpeg) [Amanda Yaniz](https://blog.concklin.com/author/amanda-yaniz)

Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.concklin.com/blog/covid-a-year-of-change-for-restaurants.html) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.concklin.com/blog/covid-a-year-of-change-for-restaurants.html) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.concklin.com/blog/covid-a-year-of-change-for-restaurants.html) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.concklin.com/blog/covid-a-year-of-change-for-restaurants.html)

March 2020 saw a wave of disruption strike the restaurant and hospitality industry like nothing we could have predicted. Government mandated shutdowns, followed by strict capacity restrictions, and a constantly changing sea of guidelines have left restaurant owners scrambling.

As we move through March 2021, we look back at some of the most innovative ways restaurant owners have managed to keep their businesses open and prospering.

## **Selling meal plans/kits**

One of the hardest parts of running a restaurant is managing food supply. It is a fine line of having enough ingredients to have your full menu available – but not so many ingredients that food waste due to spoilage consumes your bottom line. Many restaurant operators have mastered this by analyzing the habits of their customers. When COVID struck – all that went out the door. Suddenly there was no data that could help predict how busy your establishment would be on any given day or week – and eventually month. By setting up a meal plan or pre-selling meal kits, restaurants were better able to gauge how much inventory they would need. Example: [I Ricchi Food Club](https://www.iricchifoodclub.com/)

## **Dual roles for the same space**

By joining forces with local non-profit and co-operative organizations, many restaurants have redefined their mission and their role in their local communities. As dining in options became restrictive many restaurant operators found they could not sustain their previous hours of operations – often closing their doors early or opening later – and in some cases shutting down certain days of the week. This provided restaurants a unique opportunity. By joining forces with local groups, restaurants were able to make use of their kitchens during non-operational hours as relief kitchens focused on feeding families in need. Example: [World Central Kitchen - Restaurants for the People](https://wck.org/restaurantsforthepeople)

## **Grocery/Artisan Food Sales**

Several restaurants turned to selling groceries during the pandemic; however, a unique twist on this model was to also sell artisan and prepared foods from their menus. This allowed restaurants to continue to have a revenue stream and enabled them to keep at least a partial kitchen staff. In addition, it helped define them as a destination business due to the unique items for sale that could not be bought at established grocery chains.

No matter how your business has evolved during the last year, it is important to make sure your insurance keeps up with potential risks.[Contact you Independent Insurance Agent to review changes to your business and how they might affect your coverage.](https://share.hsforms.com/1OUvSmi1pTi2m8EEUIBsE3g42gdo)

[Business Insurance](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/business-insurance), [Restaurant and Hospitality](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/restaurant-and-hospitality)

## Related posts

[![Close up view of an avocado that is being diced with a knife](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/avocado-4766630_1920.jpg?height=200&name=avocado-4766630_1920.jpg)](https://blog.concklin.com/blog/top-3-costly-claims-for-restaurant-operators-and-tips-on-how-to-prevent-them.html)

[Business Insurance](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/business-insurance), [Restaurant and Hospitality](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/restaurant-and-hospitality), [Safety Tips](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/safety-tips)

## [Top 3 common costly claims for restaurant operators and tips on how to prevent them](https://blog.concklin.com/blog/top-3-costly-claims-for-restaurant-operators-and-tips-on-how-to-prevent-them.html)

![Picture of Amanda Yaniz](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Amanda%20Yaniz.jpeg?width=50&name=Amanda%20Yaniz.jpeg) [Amanda Yaniz](https://blog.concklin.com/author/amanda-yaniz) 

 Jun 14, 2021, 12:00:00 AM

The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave, is not training your...

[Read more](https://blog.concklin.com/blog/top-3-costly-claims-for-restaurant-operators-and-tips-on-how-to-prevent-them.html)

[![Group of people in office attire enjoying lunch outside at a restaurant](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/group-of-business-team-celebrating-at-outdoor-cafe-2021-12-09-02-43-30-utc.jpg?height=200&name=group-of-business-team-celebrating-at-outdoor-cafe-2021-12-09-02-43-30-utc.jpg)](https://blog.concklin.com/blog/top-4-risks-when-offering-outdoor-dining.html)

[Business Insurance](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/business-insurance), [Restaurant and Hospitality](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/restaurant-and-hospitality)

## [Top 4 risks when offering outdoor dining – and how to minimize them](https://blog.concklin.com/blog/top-4-risks-when-offering-outdoor-dining.html)

![Picture of Amanda Yaniz](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Amanda%20Yaniz.jpeg?width=50&name=Amanda%20Yaniz.jpeg) [Amanda Yaniz](https://blog.concklin.com/author/amanda-yaniz) 

 Jun 21, 2022, 12:00:00 AM

Many restaurants are offering outdoor dining options on sidewalks, in adjacent open spaces, and in...

[Read more](https://blog.concklin.com/blog/top-4-risks-when-offering-outdoor-dining.html)

[![](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wage%20Transparency%20Laws.png?height=200&name=Wage%20Transparency%20Laws.png)](https://blog.concklin.com/wage-transparency-laws-what-restaurant-owners-need-to-know)

[Business Insurance](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/business-insurance), [Restaurant and Hospitality](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/restaurant-and-hospitality), [Insurance 101](https://blog.concklin.com/tag/insurance-101)

## [Wage Transparency Laws: What Restaurant Owners Need to Know](https://blog.concklin.com/wage-transparency-laws-what-restaurant-owners-need-to-know)

![Picture of Amanda Yaniz](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Amanda%20Yaniz.jpeg?width=50&name=Amanda%20Yaniz.jpeg) [Amanda Yaniz](https://blog.concklin.com/author/amanda-yaniz) 

 Sep 17, 2025, 2:45:00 AM

More states are now requiring employers to include salary ranges and, in some cases, benefits...

[Read more](https://blog.concklin.com/wage-transparency-laws-what-restaurant-owners-need-to-know)

[![Concklin Logo](https://blog.concklin.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Concklin%20Logo.png?width=150&height=48&name=Concklin%20Logo.png "Concklin Logo")](http://concklin.com)

[facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/ConcklinInsurance) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/concklin-insurance-agency) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/ConcklinA) [youtube icon](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_HnJQ4S_USSxBJkauXwu6A)

- About Us 
    - [Our Story](https://insurance.concklin.com/about-us-who-we-are)
    - [Our Team](https://insurance.concklin.com/meet-our-team)
    - [Contact Us](https://insurance.concklin.com/contact-us)
- [Markets & Industries](https://insurance.concklin.com/industry-specific-insurance-programs) 
    - [Restaurants](https://restaurants.concklin.com)
    - [Franchised Restaurants](https://restaurants.concklin.com/franchised-restaurants)
    - [Contractors](https://insurance.concklin.com/general-contractor-insurance)
    - [Habitational](https://insurance.concklin.com/habitational-insurance)
- [Business Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/business-insurance-coverage) 
    - [Business Owners' Policy](https://insurance.concklin.com/business-owners-insurance-policy)
    - [Commercial Property](https://insurance.concklin.com/commercial-property-insurance)
    - [General Liability](https://insurance.concklin.com/commercial-general-liability-insurance)
    - Workers' Compensation
- [Personal Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/personal-lines-insurance-coverage) 
    - [Homeowners' Policy](https://insurance.concklin.com/homeowners-insurance)
    - [Personal Auto Policy](https://insurance.concklin.com/auto-insurance)
    - [Personal Umbrella Policy](https://insurance.concklin.com/personal-umbrella-insurance)
    - [Flood Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/flood-insurance)
- Life & Health Insurance 
    - [Life Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/life-insurance)
    - [Health Insurance](https://insurance.concklin.com/health-insurance)
- Resources 
    - [Cyber Resources](https://insurance.concklin.com/cyber-insurance-resources)
    - [Blog](https://blog.concklin.com)
    - [Video Library](https://blog.concklin.com/video-library)
    - [Client Portal](https://insurance.concklin.com/client-portal)
- [Make A Payment](https://concklin.appliedpay.com/)

---

REQUESTING COVERAGE DOES NOT GUARANTEE COVERAGE CAN BE PROVIDED.  COVERAGE CAN BEGIN ONLY WITH SPECIFIC STATEMENT BY A LICENSED MEMBER OF CONCKLIN INSURANCE AGENCY.

MISSTATEMENTS OR OMISSIONS OF RELEVANT INFORMATION CAN LEAD TO PRICE VARIATION OR EVEN DECLINATION OR RESCISSION OF COVERAGE.

NONE OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE IS A GUARANTEE THAT INSURANCE WILL BE PROVIDED OR THAT CONCKLIN INSURANCE AGENCY IS OBLIGATED TO PROCURE INSURANCE FOR ANY WEBSITE VISITORS.

240 S. WESTMORE MEYERS ROAD,  
LOMBARD IL 60148  
630-268-1600 | [CONCKLIN@CONCKLIN.COM](mailto:concklin@concklin.com)

[Privacy Policy](https://insurance.concklin.com/privacy-policy)

Copyright © 2026, Concklin Insurance Agency

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Amanda Yaniz",
    "url" : "https://blog.concklin.com/author/amanda-yaniz"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-06-28T18:09:50.194Z",
  "datePublished" : "2021-04-07T05:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Check out these 3 ways restaurant owners are evolving their businesses",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.concklin.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Meal_Kit.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.concklin.com/blog/covid-a-year-of-change-for-restaurants.html",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.concklin.com/hubfs/Concklin%20Logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "Concklin Insurance Agency"
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://blog.concklin.com/#website",
  "@type" : "WebSite",
  "alternateName" : "Concklin Blog",
  "description" : "Insurance articles, risk management guidance, business insurance resources, personal insurance tips, cyber liability information, restaurant insurance insights, franchise insurance guidance, and coverage education from Concklin Insurance Agency.",
  "inLanguage" : "en-US",
  "name" : "Concklin Insurance Agency Blog",
  "publisher" : {
    "@id" : "https://insurance.concklin.com/#organization"
  },
  "url" : "https://blog.concklin.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@id" : "https://blog.concklin.com/#blog",
  "@type" : "Blog",
  "description" : "Articles and resources from Concklin Insurance Agency covering business insurance, personal insurance, restaurant insurance, franchise insurance, cyber liability, claims, coverage questions, and risk management.",
  "inLanguage" : "en-US",
  "isPartOf" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.concklin.com/#website"
  },
  "name" : "Concklin Insurance Agency Blog",
  "publisher" : {
    "@id" : "https://insurance.concklin.com/#organization"
  },
  "url" : "https://blog.concklin.com/"
}
```