If a restaurant is in an area where this is happening a lot they will just need to switch their business mode to paying in advance
Why don't restaurants take credit cards in advance, the way some businesses do? Such as when you book a hotel reservation. Or rent a car.
I really don’t like the idea of paying in advance, but will admit that with situations like this becoming common (if they are) that might be the way to go. However, they may have to figure on losing some customers.
“area”
Springfield