SHABU HACHI GROUP: MANAGING IN TURBULENT TIMES

Indonesia was facing both a pandemic and an economic crisis. Saving human lives during the coronavirus outbreak was a priority, and the treatment of the nation’s economy — amid spiraling unemployment rates — would have ramifications for the country’s future. In April 2020, the coronavirus epidemic had already spread nationwide and on April 9, 2020, the governor of Jakarta announced that large scale social restrictions (PSBB) were to be held in the capital. These restrictions were later extended until 22 May 2020. These large-scale social restrictions had a massive impact on the F&B industry. No dine-in customers were allowed as citizens were told to stay at home. More than 6800 restaurants were forced to close down and over 200,000 employees in this industry had to be laid off amid the coronavirus.

The Hachi Group, a restaurant chain worried that their restaurants would become a potential source of infection. Closing outlets would mean stopping sales and producing no income without knowing when this pandemic would end, therefore while risking the future of the company. On the other hand, remaining open would produce sales but at the risk of the safety of their workers and their customers. Any decision would greatly affect the company.