Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Though local F&B businesses don't want socialdistancing to return in August, the experiences they had in April are helpingthem prepare.

PhungNgoc Bich, owner of Tuong An Coffee on Hanoi's Doi Can Street, used to pay 20million VND (857 USD) per month to rent two shops to sell coffee andjuice. The pandemic meant she was receiving fewer and fewer customers, makingthe rent unaffordable, so Bich scaled back and let go of the biggerpremises and kept the smaller one of less than 10sq.m.

Bichstarted selling rice and food via delivery during the first wave of thepandemic and it became a huge success.

Shetold Vietnam News: “I sellabout more than 100 dishes per day, mostly at lunchtime. As for the smallerspace and fewer customers due to the pandemic, I turned my shop to a takeaway.I save on both rent and staff.”

Thoughthe pandemic and social distancing brought Bich a new kind of business, she isnot looking forward to the possible return of social distancing after the resurgence ofthe virus.

Herfeelings are shared throughout the F&B business community, which hasbeen plunged into uncertainty in recent days.

89'sPresso, a beverage and snack shop in District 1, HCM City, has just recoveredto half of its business before the new outbreak.

Talkingto the local media, an 89's Presso representative said: "We are quiteworried because the business activities have just been reopened shortly."

HoangTung, CEO of Pizza Home, who gaineda reputation for selling special items for the pandemic such as pink pizzato support dragon fruit growers, said: “It is likely that this industry willface the next crisis due to the new wave of COVID-19,” however, the CEO sawpositive sides.

Tungsaid as purchasing power and trust in the Government's anti-pandemic effortswere strong, the economy recovered quickly, adding: "I think thebusinesses that have survived up to now have good strength and accumulation.The difficulties that the F&B industry has overcome will help firmsfind ways to overcome the next storm.”

Accordingto the CEO, he plans to cut ineffective selling points, reduce productioncosts and rent rates, and increase sales through applications and new products,tailored to people's needs.

Similarmodels are being used across the sector.

NamKhuat, owner of Kin Dee - Thai Gastropub in District 1, HCM City told localmedia: “If the social distancing resumes, we will renegotiate the rent, reducethe number of full-time staff and reduce the number of part-time employees andmove to a delivery model with menus to fit new needs and ensure qualitytakeaway."

"Bothemployees and customers are accustomed to the pandemic so it's easier for theattitude of shopping from home. With a new situation, we will activate thepreventive steps immediately," he said.

Besidesfinding ways to get by, many F&B owners said they needed the support ofmanagement authorities.

NguyenThanh Hang, owner of Hang Coffee on the capital's Quan Thanh Street told Vietnam News: “They should announce thesocial distancing, if any, early so that we can prepare our businessschedule.”

Sincethe first wave of the virus, Hang has been serving more online customers. Shesaid: “I opened the café as I love meeting people and talking to my customersbut now there is no other choice.”

Likemost other F&B business owners, Hang knew the risk of spreading the virusis huge with direct contact. “I will try my best to serve my customers withdistancing and waiting for the virus to be controlled.”/.