Waffle House Delivers Masterclass in Crisis Management
By Nicole Schuman for PRNews
It takes a pretty big event to close a national institution like Waffle House. Especially when it has its own disaster meter. Coined the “Waffle House Index,” it is not an official metric, yet government agencies such as FEMA use it.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian challenged the index this week, causing the breakfast chain to announce a shutdown of 21 restaurants in the storm’s path.
However surprising to many who hold Waffle House in great esteem for its 24/7 hour service, instead of anger, many followers expressed awe and respect for the dire circumstances.
Serious Preparation
Digging deeper, you discover Waffle House takes its business and reputation seriously. Evidence is the brand’s disaster-preparedness plans, created after Hurricane Katrina, in 2005. The Wall Street Journal says the brand lost seven restaurants in that storm, and closed 100—which quickly reopened.
It adds that Waffle House’s crisis-preparedness process includes a manual for reopening after a disaster, setting up portable generators and mobile command centers.
So yes, the company is prepared. However, it also knows its limits.
In addition it understands remaining open or closing will influence not only employees but customers. For more, click here.