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A Year of COVID: The Mother of Invention

Here’s a look back at some of the most creative operational solutions during the pandemic, from virtual brands to drive-thru redesigns

The restaurant industry buzzword of 2020 was pivot. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19-era lockdowns, we’re taking a look back at how restaurants pivoted to thrive (or just survive) in the face of shuttered dining rooms and vanishing customers.

From virtual brands and ghost kitchens, to tech-forward solutions like the modern drive-thru redesign and geofencing technology to make curbside pickup easier, we’re highlighting the best of the innovative restaurant solutions of the pandemic era.

Some of these operations, menu and off-premise solutions will likely be confined to the COVID era (like offering toilet paper alongside takeout orders). Others are expected to stick, like alcohol delivery and virtual experiences.

Take a look back at how this past year of COVID became the mother of invention.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

Find her on Twitter: @JoannaFantozzi

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