The issues of social responsibility and sustainability aren’t new, but it’s no coincidence that they’ve been steadily preoccupying the minds of restaurant owners. With continuous introduction of new regulations aimed at pushing businesses towards a more socially and environmentally-friendly direction, it’s becoming clear that corporate social responsibility principles (CSR) are not only recommended, but actually inevitable.
But why wait until the last minute? There are plenty of benefits to reap from introducing CSR practices earlier on. From inspiring meaningful change amongst fellow business owners, to enhancing your brand image and tapping into a prominent market segment of socially and environmentally conscious foodies – going socially and environmentally responsible can be nothing short of a game-changer.
What is CSR?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is most commonly defined as a business approach that addresses social and environmental concerns through day-to-day business operations. In essence, the CSR principles provide a framework for the business owners to expand their impact beyond just leveraging the financial gains.
In particular, it encourages meaningful business contribution by addressing issues such as environmental management, eco-efficiency, responsible sourcing, labour standards and working conditions, employee and community relations, just to name a few.
But with an extensive list like this, more often than not, restaurant owners feel more overwhelmed, than inspired. So where does one begin the pursuit of making any food establishment more socially and environmentally responsible? Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you started.
Source locally and sustainably
One of the most prominent restaurant CSR practices is to source locally and sustainably and in turn reduce carbon footprint as a result of shorter distances. Think about it: how much easier and quicker would it be to get your vegetable or meat produce from a farmer nearby, as opposed to importing the same ingredients?
Not only is it more eco-friendly, but your customers will not be left disappointed with fresher and often higher quality products reaching your restaurant pantry. Plus, you’ll even be able to contribute to the local economy and support local farmers and producers too!
Start now:
Participate in farmers’ markets and local food events to grow your network of local producers.
Partner up with suppliers in your area.
Highlight local ingredients on your menu to educate and attract customers and foster deeper appreciation for the dishes served on the plate.
Minimise food waste
Besides costly and not so eco-friendly sourcing practices, another major issue common across the restaurant industry is food waste. Reduction of the waste going to landfills isn’t only beneficial for the environment – it can also minimise associated costs such as garbage disposal fees, and result in better inventory management.
With that in mind, however, should you encounter an occasion where you find yourself with excess food – who said it should go to waste?
Start now:
Incorporate an online reservation system, such as Tableo, to trace your restaurant’s capacity patterns from similar periods. By estimating the number of guests expected seasonally, you’ll be able to make more accurate predictions for your upcoming orders and eliminate unnecessary waste.
If you do find yourself with excess food, donate the surplus to those in need through local shelters or food banks.
Consider creating a composting program for food scraps that can be later used by farmers to enhance the quality of the soil.
Ethical employment practices
Another key pillar for restaurants implementing the CSR framework is ethical employment. Providing fair wages and opportunities isn’t only the right thing to do, but it also plays a crucial role in building up the local economy and community.
And you too have something to gain from it too! Being known as a restaurant that cares about their employees, will help you attract, maintain, and motivate your staff, as well as spread the positive word of mouth to future applicants and potential guests.
Start now:
Review current employment practices in place and how they compare to the national regulations.
Explore opportunities for in-house and external training and development opportunities in the hospitality industry, or even outside of it, to encourage your staff’s growth and development.
Promote and stand firm on creating a diverse and inclusive workplace through your formal HR practices and creating a culture that’s open and supportive to people from different backgrounds.
Community engagement
The CSR framework also welcomes businesses that are committed to building a stronger sense of community and supporting individuals as well as fellow local organisations. By combining exceptional cuisine with positive impact, you will be able to attract a new loyal customer base that values your community involvement and stands for the same values.
Start now:
Consider hosting community events and fundraisers to promote initiatives and causes that you and your staff truly believe in, or offer support to other initiatives by hosting a pop up at a local event.
Check out community projects available in your local area and partner up with local schools, charities, and organisations that align with your mission and enhance your brand image.
Transparent marketing
Last but not least, a good place to start with CSR implementation at your restaurant is by reviewing your current marketing practices. Under the CSR framework, you are encouraged to openly share information about CSR practices and organisational values in your interactions with current and future guests. By focusing on being open and transparent, you will be able to quickly build up your restaurant’s image and build stronger relationships with your customers.
Start now:
Clearly communicate your socially responsible practices on your social media pages, website and throughout your restaurant’s operations.
Be honest about challenges and your journey towards more sustainable practices. By communicating these, you will not only help other businesses resonate with your journey, but also build stronger rapport and trust with your potential customers.
Don’t fake it till you make it
With so many benefits to reap – why wait until all restaurants are making the very same adjustments out of regulatory obligation?
Use the opportunity to start incorporating CSR principles at your own pace and gain a competitive advantage, as well as drive new customers through your doors. However, do keep in mind: no matter which route you’re going – be intentional about any change you implement. There’s nothing worse for your brand image, than customers’ realising that your CSR strategy is nothing but a sophisticated sales technique.
Unlock the tips that will help you stand out from the crowd and get more bookings!
Learn how to save time, reduce stress and fill your restaurant while you sleep!
Hanna Yerega is a freelance copywriter and a powerhouse on social media, where she combines her knack for compelling writing with a masterful grasp of digital platforms. Known for her exceptional organisation skills, she handles multiple projects with unparalleled precision. Hanna is deeply passionate about not-for-profit initiatives, using her talents to amplify their messages and drive meaningful engagement.
