Franchise locations across the United States are cautiously reopening as state executive orders begin to lift. As of Tuesday, 26 states, (as well as Guam, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico) have stay-at-home orders in place. While the number may appear low, many local governments in states that don’t have restrictions have issued similar orders.
State and local governments are enacting restrictions to minimize how often people come within six feet of one another. The restrictions, in turn, reduce the spread of the coronavirus and “flattens the curve” so healthcare systems aren’t overwhelmed.
Loosening Restrictions
So far, nineteen states have loosened their restrictions to allow some businesses to reopen. Those states are Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The reopening plans for these states still incorporate social-distancing measures. For instance, Alaska, limits restaurant operations to reservation-only and restrictions seating to 25% capacity. Similarly, South Carolina is permitting retail stores to operate 20% capacity. In Georgia, businesses screen workers for fevers before their shifts and must stay six feet apart.
Planning for Opening
Georgia businessman and owner of Alloy Personal Training franchise, Rick Mayo, was among the first to open his doors. Mayo has owned and operated Alloy with two locations in Georgia for 30 years and began franchising late last year. Alloy opened one Georgia location on April 27th and the other on May 3rd .
Alloy initially anticipated smaller numbers upon return, but the company says schedules are quickly returning to normal. The brand’s “Alloy for Women facility” opened with capacity reduced to 4 people per hour (down from eight). The company booked all available hours. The brand’s flagship location also reduced spaces and training numbers to maintain social distancing requirements.
According to Mayo, “The general sentiment has been really positive, and people are slowly returning to normal activities, 50% of our members have already returned in the first week. One firmly stating that the Alloy facility was “50 times cleaner than the produce department.”
The brand emphasized the importance of transparency. “Messaging on how you are going to open is important. It gives clients the ability to make an informed decision based on knowing things like how many people will be allowed in each session, handling of the equipment, and what is expected of members and coaches. This communication lets them know that you are thinking ahead to take care of them by limiting their exposure to other,.” says Anthony Wilkins , Co-Owner of the Alloy for Women location in Suwanee, GA.
Cabin Fever
North Carolina is in “Phase 1” of reopening, which restricts most businesses, but allows childcare facilities and day camps to operate. Businesses in the state are readying for the green light. Yogi Bear’s three Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts in the state are preparing to welcome families this weekend.
“There’s a huge pent-up demand among parents and kids to get outside,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of Marketing. He noted that Jellystone Park is helping resort owners open safely. “Our goal is to do everything we can to make sure everyone has a fun experience and feels comfortable staying at a North Carolina Jellystone Park.”
The company noted that some services and amenities are not available right now in keeping with social distancing guidelines. Pools and splashgrounds, are currently closed, but locations hope to open them in the coming weeks. Depending upon the resort, Jellystone encourages guests to hike, fish, bike and participate in activities various activities.
“Camping and glamping are really about families spending time together outdoors,” Hershenson said. “Hiking, making s’mores around a campfire and just relaxing in a luxury cabin or your own RV are great ways to unwind and bring back a sense of normalcy to life.”
The parks are following federal, state, and local authorities’ directives. In addition, the company indicates they have been provided with best practices and recommendations from the nation’s leading health organizations. Besides social distancing requests, guests can expect enhanced sanitation procedures throughout the parks.
As state and local jurisdictions begin to ease restrictions, more and more franchises will be seeking guidance on best practices for opening. Emphasizing social distancing procedures and increased sanitization will likely be the new norm and a significant trend for franchises in the coming weeks and months.
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