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Dear Franchisees,
Please review the attached file (pasted below) with your leadership and staff. If you have a plan in place, consider updating to ensure the following protocols. If you have Restaurant365, please also take advantage of their messaging system to employees.
Severe Weather Operational Advisory: Winter Storm Preparedness
To: All Shane's Rib Shack Franchisees, General Managers, and Staff
Subject: Preparation for Freezing Weather, Power Outages, and Hazardous Road Conditions
With severe winter weather anticipated, all locations must take immediate proactive steps to ensure the safety of our "Shack Crew" and guests, protect our assets, and maintain the high food safety standards our community expects.
1. Facility & Pipe Protection
Freezing temperatures can cause significant property damage. Prevent burst pipes and flooding by:
- Drip the Faucets: Leave a slow trickle of water running in sinks located against exterior walls.
- Circulate Heat: Open cabinet doors under sinks and prep stations to allow warm air to reach the plumbing.
- Thermostat Settings: Maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 55°F at all times, even if the restaurant is closed.
- Exterior Maintenance: Detach hoses from outdoor faucets. Apply ice melt or rock salt to sidewalks, entryways, and pick-up lanes before the freeze begins.
2. Food Safety & Power Loss Protocol
In the event of a power outage, the clock starts immediately for food safety.
- Keep it Closed: Do not open walk-in coolers or freezers unless absolutely necessary.
- A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for 4 hours.
- A full freezer keeps food safe for 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).
- Ice Management: Pre-freeze buckets of water or stock up on extra bags of ice now to help maintain temperatures in smaller coolers or reach-ins.
- Monitor Temperatures: Record the exact time power is lost. Use appliance thermometers to check temperatures immediately upon power restoration.
- "When in Doubt, Throw it Out": Discard any Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods (meats, dairy, sauces) that have been above 41°F for more than 4 hours.
3. Crew Safety & Road Conditions
Our people are our most important asset.
- Commute Safety: Monitor local DOT reports. If road conditions become "treacherous" or "essential travel only," managers should authorize early closures to ensure staff can get home safely before dark.
- Check-In System: Establish a "buddy system" or a group text thread for staff to confirm they have arrived home safely after their shifts.
- Emergency Supplies: Ensure each Shack has a working flashlight, fresh batteries, a first aid kit, and a printed list of emergency contacts (Landlord, Electrician, Plumber, and Corporate).
4. Community & Communication
Shane’s has a history of being a "place for warm shelter" during storms. If it is safe to operate:
- Update Status: Use Facebook and Instagram to inform the community of delayed openings or early closures.
- Third-Party Delivery: Disable DoorDash/UberEats/Online Ordering if road conditions make it unsafe for drivers to operate.
- Support First Responders: If your location has power and safe access, consider coordinating with local utility crews or emergency workers who may need a hot meal.
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