We recently came across a nifty feature on Google Maps aimed at giving you info about restaurants, take-out places and the like. The feature enables you to view which places are temporarily closed, which are only available for delivery and more. This brings an extra layer of convenience especially when seeking to find out which take-out places are available to you, in your immediate environment operating at what lockdown regulations.
This new feature, which officially came into effect yesterday, also acts as a great resource for various small businesses by enabling them to post various information, notably updates around operating hours, general operations and more done via their Maps’ profile pages for curious customers.
- For restaurants that decide to forgo dine-in eating, for whatever reason, permanently, Google‘s business platform will now enable them to be verified either way. Previously, the platform didn’t allow this as it was considered or deemed by Google to be “virtual kitchens.”
- Google Maps will also be expanding to make it easier and allow customers to make reservations directly through a business’s profile. For instance, if a store/shop only or additionally offers online appointments then you will now be able to book and confirm one easily via the app.
- The company is also working on incorporating (into its search engine) the option and ability to add donation support links to search profiles. This feature will only be available for businesses.
The coronavirus pandemic and the resulting regulations have forced companies such as Google to rethink and reinvent their offering, this latest update on Google Maps being a perfect example. What the update mostly does is it eliminates the need for you to potentially venture out to see which places are open or closed. Having said that though, you won’t necessarily be able to tell if it’s temporary or permanent nor will you be able to determine if the listed operating hours were before or post pandemic.
With level 3 set to be enforced as of next week Monday (01 June), one of the things we’re looking forward to most among other things are the different food options which will now be on offer. A handy tool such as this one on Google Maps is one worth checking out especially when investigating which one of your favourite franchises and restaurants are open for business and when. Give it a try and see how it works on your side, and let us know what you think in comments below.
