ShiftPixy, a California-based gig engagement platform provider, announced the company’s initiative to catalyze digital infrastructure reinforcement and human capital management repurposing for multi-unit restaurant operators during the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) small business loans. As some of the hardest hit businesses by the global pandemic, restaurants across the country have been forced to furlough or lay off most, if not all, of their employees in addition to closing their dining rooms. Further, many restaurants lack the proper delivery infrastructure to adapt to the current environment. The rollout of the PPP, offering two-year, forgivable loans, has created a unique opportunity – a life boat of sorts – for restaurants to invest in repurposing their staff to better serve delivery demand, which ShiftPixy is uniquely positioned to immediately assist in implementing.

“Despite these difficult, unprecedented times, the PPP loan program offers a glimmer of hope for restaurants as these funds can offer operators the chance to rebuild their business even while their dining rooms are closed, by repurposing their dining staff as delivery drivers,” says Scott Absher, CEO and Co-founder of ShiftPixy. “At ShiftPixy, we understand the digital demands of such a drastic pivot and are committed to helping restaurants leverage their greatest asset – their staff – in a new way that avoids third-party delivery commissions that eat into their revenues.”

While third-party delivery companies face uncertainty on both employee designation and increased demand, ShiftPixy is working with restaurants across the country to deploy their current staff as delivery drivers. In addition to avoiding unnecessary commissions, restaurants can maintain better brand control and ensure a superior customer experience by repurposing staff for native delivery.

“Tough times don’t last, tough people do, and we’re helping restaurants showcase that,” Absher concludes.