60 seconds with…Chad White, Flix Brewhouse - Director of Heart of House Operations & Safety

How was the re-opening of your business and how was it carried out in line with safety procedures put in place to allow social distancing?

Our reopening has been a steady exercise in patience and flexibility. Finding a balance between governmental restrictions, the safety of our guests and team members, and societal drive to return to theaters has been a challenge. Through the imposed capacity restrictions, a slimmed down menu, mask and distancing policies, and a scheduling strategy that takes all of these things into account, we have been able to provide out teams with a safe, distanced workplace. 

How is the general feeling and feedback from your team members and your customers now the lockdown is over/slowly getting there?

Our team and guests have been given us extremely positive feedback during our re-opening efforts. Our safety and sanitation protocols are second to none and delivering a safe environment for a night out to escape and enjoy dinner and a movie has been a welcome change to the lockdown for our Flix family, guests and team members alike. 

How has Disney streaming Mulan affected the cinema industry do you think? 

It certainly hasn't been resonating positively in the promenades of the exhibition industry. The move to simultaneous or exclusive PVOD releases and the narrowing of the exclusivity window has pushed the cinema industry into thinking outside of the box with regards to the film going experience. In the absence of new content, we have doubled down on these critical components:  delivering convenience through our curbside program, compelling food and beverage weekly feature offerings, experiential content such as our FanFest showings and curated alternative content. 

What role has technology played in supporting your re-opening plan?

Technology has been integral in every aspect of our reopening planning. From launching our Flix app supporting our curbside program to our team member communication streaming platform, to going digital with our QR code menu experience, to keeping up with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Without technology this re-opening would have been infinitely more difficult, if not impossible.

What market trends are you seeing since re-opening?

We are seeing fan favorite comfort foods owning our PMIX. PIzza, burgers, and wings are our leaders, and I don't expect much deviation from that. The PPE market is tightening around Nitrile and other disposable gloves, causing significant cost increases there, but with that the supply chain for hand sanitizer has opened up with decreasing cost. It's certainly an ebb and flow situation that we are working diligently to keep up with.

What techniques have you used to build sales and re-engage customers? 

We have added weekly food features, curbside to-go with delivery on the horizon, alternative film content that includes FanFest events, discount ticket days, and of course a safe and fun environment to enjoy at Flix.

What positive lessons do we need to learn from what the industry has been through?

We need to learn that positivity, even in the current state of our industry isn't a bridge too far. Going to Flix for a cinema dining experience is still as enjoyable of an escape as it has ever been. Not even a pandemic can sour combining food, film, and beer.

Do you have any additional comments on the cinema industry and what the future may look like?

Only a request to support your local theater. Go and enjoy that night out. Come and see us at Flix.