Blog / November 9, 2020
Doubling Down on Data: How Giordano’s is Reimagining the Guest Experience


Mikayla Walzog

A New Operational Shift
AD: How have your operations changed across your 65+ outlets to accommodate for new guest and staff needs? JL: Operationally, at first we didn’t have a great tool to help us navigate through these safety compliance measures. Figuring out socially distanced tables and other protocols ended up being a manual process for us, but as far as operational compliance, everyone has been on board. We opened at 25% in the beginning but now as colder weather is approaching, we are outlining viable solutions to avoid guests crowding in vestibules or indoors by the host stand. Our team is prioritizing finding better ways for dining room shifts for our staff, too.Using Virtual Solutions to Ensure Safety
AD: As the VP of IT, how have you taken this time to revisit Giordano’s tech stack? JL: Off-premise channels have actually been the biggest boon to our business. Luckily, we have great online ordering partners to help with this. However, curbside is the most popular medium. In the beginning of the pandemic, we quickly ramped up with curbside orders to accommodate the demand. As we open up our dining rooms, we find that people still want to come dine inside of restaurants. Being able to prepare for the volume of guests once capacities increase will be incredibly valuable. With SevenRooms, we found a great way to execute on using virtual waitlists.