Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Food Service Establishments in Sorsogon City

This study determined the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the food service establishments in Sorsogon City in terms of products and services, supplies, manpower, and revenue.  It also includes the common problems encountered by food service establishments regarding production, service delivery, marketing, staffing, and workforce and safety measures implementation. The coping mechanisms employed by the food service establishments and the business activities that the food service establishments will give importance to, in the post-pandemic period, were also tackled.

The sample size consisted of 30 food service establishment owners/ managers in Sorsogon City whose establishment started operating for at least a year prior to the pandemic.  A descriptive research design was used.  Results revealed that the pandemic has impacted food service establishments both positively and negatively based on different factors. Coping mechanisms have been implemented to solve the problems encountered. The management of the food service establishments will give importance to various marketing strategies in preparation for the post-pandemic period.

The researcher recommends that the food service establishments management’s efforts be focused on dealing with the negative impacts brought about by the pandemic and partnerships and collaboration with other food service establishments, government agencies and non-government agencies be formed. New marketing strategies and business activities focusing on creating and implementing standard operating procedures anchored on safety, hygiene and sanitation be prioritized and the proposed action plan focusing on recovery activities of the food service establishments be adapted and implemented.