---
title: The pandemic almost killed The Cheesecake Factory. Then delivery cheesecake took off.
description: The Cheesecake Factory looked like it was in trouble early in the pandemic, then delivery cheesecake saved the day.
---

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# [The pandemic almost killed The Cheesecake Factory. Then delivery cheesecake took off.](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/11082021-the-cheesecake-factory)

 Written by [Rob Litterst](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/author/rob-litterst) | Nov 8, 2021 7:24:34 AM

*Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images*

Few restaurants are as operationally complex as The Cheesecake Factory. Its 500-page employee training manual [includes](https://www.wsj.com/articles/cheesecake-to-go-saved-the-cheesecake-factory-11635450438?mod=hp_lead_pos5):

- 1 full page on handling strawberries
- 12 steps for hot tea service
- 42 words to use when describing cheesecake (e.g., “velvety,” “drizzled,” “yum-a-licious”)

That complexity extends to its physical locations, which [range](https://nyjobsource.com/cheesecake.html) from 5k to 21k square feet and employ ~170 workers each.

#### **At that scale, shutting down indoor dining was a bit of a problem**

In March 2020, the chain furloughed **41k** workers and cut pay for executives and board members by **20%**. At one point, the SEC reported the firm was losing **~$6m** per week.

Then, like many restaurants, Cheesecake Factory embraced takeout. It transformed the tables in its cavernous dining rooms into delivery assembly lines and converted parking spaces into pickup locations.

The chain also ramped up advertising by **60%** compared to 2019 to attract to-go diners, and partnered with DoorDash for delivery orders.

As a result, delivery cheesecake took off:

- The chain’s takeout operation is firing to the tune of **$3m+** per location annually
- Cheesecake is making up a higher percentage of sales than pre-pandemic
- Q2 same-store sales are up **7.8%** from 2019

#### **But it hasn’t been a piece of cake**

The chain’s [21-page](https://www.today.com/food/9-things-you-didn-t-know-about-cheesecake-factory-t150489) menu (you read that right) paired with its short staff has made for a chaotic work environment — and, at some locations, floor-to-ceiling stacks of cheesecake.

That may sound amazing as a diner, but not so much for employees. The chain has now simplified its application process to attract more workers.

Thankfully, The Cheesecake Factory plans to operate a dine-in/takeout hybrid — meaning late-night cheesecake delivery isn’t going anywhere.

[View full post](https://hs-sbup.thehustle.co/news/11082021-the-cheesecake-factory)

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