Red, White & Business Ready: April 6
April 6: 65-Day Countdown: Smooth Service, Smart Safety
1) Newsletter + Blog Post (copy/paste)
Title options
A) 65 Days Out: Safety + Service Readiness for Summer 2026
B) World Stage, Local Advantage — 65-Day Countdown: Smooth Service, Smart Safety
C) Ready for Higher Volume: Keep It Friendly, Fast, and Safe
We’re officially 65 days out from the global tournament kicking off (June 11–July 19, 2026). That means the window to “get ready without stress” is right now. This week’s focus is simple: prepare your business to handle higher volume with calm confidence—without losing the Midwest welcome we’re known for.
This week’s goal
Stay smooth under pressure. Reduce friction for customers and for your team.
A) The “Peak Moment” plan (every business needs one)
Even if you’re not tourism-based, summer activity can trigger peak moments—rushes, lines, phone overload, full parking, or schedule changes.
Do this this week: write a 5-line Peak Moment plan:
- Who’s in charge when it gets busy?
- What’s our line/flow plan?
- What’s our customer communication plan?
- What’s our backup plan if tech fails?
- What’s our de-escalation plan if someone gets upset?
If you can answer those, you’re already ahead of most businesses.
B) Customer flow: tiny changes that prevent chaos
Pick two upgrades that fit your business:
- “Order Here / Pick Up Here / Please Wait Here” signs
- Clear entrance/exit or one-way flow during rushes
- Move “frequently asked” info into a sign (restrooms, hours, process)
- Add one “quick choice” board: best-sellers / most common services
Pro tip: Confusion creates tension. Clarity creates calm.
C) Team readiness: protect your people
This is the leadership part. Your team needs to know you’ve got them.
- Confirm your break plan during busy hours
- Decide your traffic grace policy for June/July (commute disruptions happen)
- Cross-train one key task so one absence doesn’t derail the day
- Agree on one phrase everyone can use to keep tone calm:
“Thanks for your patience—we’ll take great care of you.”
D) Safety + public-facing basics (keep it practical)
No need to overcomplicate. Make sure these are solid:
- Walkways clear, spills addressed fast
- Lighting works (especially if you’ll be open later)
- Cash handling procedures are consistent
- If you’re hosting gatherings: plan restrooms, trash, and weather messaging
Pro Tip: Expect “traffic surprise” days
Between tournament activity, regional events, and team movements (which may include motorcades and short-term road closures), there may be days when the metro area slows down quickly. The businesses that plan for flexibility will feel it the least.
This week’s one action (do it today)
Hold a 15-minute Peak Moment huddle with your team:
- “Here’s what we do when it gets busy.”
- “Here’s who runs point.”
- “Here’s how we keep it calm.”

