In March of 2020 I was honored to be asked to take part in the Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council. The purpose of the TRAC is to create a diverse body of operators in the restaurant industry, to work together to navigate the pandemic. Â
Over the last year, the TRACâs members have been strong advocates for the restaurant industry. I have benefitted greatly by being able to help craft positions on upcoming legislation, meet with our community leaders to provide input on issues that impact both the city of Tucson as well as Pima County, and be a voice in conversations that look beyond the pandemic.Â
As the nationâs restaurant and service industry continues to face challenges nearly one year into the pandemic, local restaurateurs are adapting their business models and shrinking their footprint to better serve COVID-minded customers.
Commercial real estate brokers are already seeing a demand for new development with drive-thrus and larger patio space, according to Tucson Realty and Trust Co. retail specialist Frank Arrotta. Other business owners are repurposing former restaurant space into fast-casual concepts focused on customer service with minimal contact, he said.Â
âThe footprint is smaller now in those four walls, meaning thereâs very little dining space inside if any,â Arrotta said. âMy clients are looking to make it easier for their customers to walk in to get take-out or pull up to a drive-thru window.â