Deloitte’s study “The future of restaurants” revealed that dining habits have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but consumers have shifted how they eat out and tend to be more selective about where they eat. Though the food itself is a key factor in those decisions, it’s only part of the experience.

Consumers value safe, clean spaces — 86% say a business’s commitment to public health and safety factors into their decision to patronize that location.¹ ESC provides the tools, resources and training to advance cleanliness, but more than that, it delivers a visible sign to your guests of your commitment to their safety.

The ESC program helps your restaurant:

• Exceed guest expectations by helping deliver spotless wares and clean, safe spaces.
• Follow cleaning, hygiene and food safety protocols and procedures informed by the CDC, FDA and local health department guidelines.
• Address labor and operational challenges with simplified procedures and training that help speed up cleaning processes and support high-performing staff.
• Help ensure guests see the commitment to clean through on-site signage.

I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how the program can transform businesses. One customer, which has hundreds of restaurant locations throughout the Midwest, was already involved in our food safety assessment program through EcoSure, but wanted to step up cleaning efforts and make them more visible. The locations that implemented ESC saw a double-digit bump in Health Department Inspection scores and an increase in reviewer ratings.^{2 3}

We have seen this outcome at other restaurants implementing the ESC program.² In an evaluation of seven national foodservice brands, comparing them six months after ECS start vs. the same six-month period a year prior, we found: 

• 24% fewer negative cleanliness mentions
• 20% fewer critical health department inspection violations
• 4% higher review ratings

We have also seen how the ESC program leverages world-class innovation to help protect our customers' brand and drive profitability. During this comparative study, we observed how ESC restaurants that consistently maintained clean spaces and demonstrated to their customers their commitment to cleanliness through the ESC seal, saw a significant 8% increase in foot traffic.³

As restaurants continue to grapple with staffing shortages, high turnover and growing labor costs, I’ve seen operators turn to ESC as a staff benefit as well. I have had customers tell me that they have been able to keep people on staff because they have the right procedures in place and employees feel comfortable. Our research backs that up, showing that the program has real meaning to restaurant workers — 72% say they will stay at a business because of it.⁴

ESC helps operators demonstrate to employees that they care about their teams’ safety and well-being. In that way, the program provides a competitive advantage for recruiting and retaining staff at a time when competition for talent is fierce.

Not only do the protocols in the ESC program help contribute to a high standard of cleanliness, but we also know that work environments where roles and protocols are clear can become more productive spaces. Productive work environments are not only good for reducing operational costs, but can also create a rewarding work culture for employees.

More than anything, the ESC seal demonstrates that you care. You care about safety, for your customers and for your employees. That commitment can be a key differentiator for growing business now and in the years ahead.

To learn more about how Ecolab Science Certified can elevate your operation, visit sciencecertified.ecolab.com.