WITH Limestone Coast residents encouraged to stay home and limit their social and public interactions, a surge in demand for contact-less orders and delivery has triggered innovation across the hospitality industry.
Many shopfronts have shifted from a predominately dine-in or in-store takeaway experience to serving the bulk of their customers from their homes, with the appetite for food delivery being met by a large number of small businesses in Mount Gambier.
Natural Born Grillers is among the independent outlets to record an increase in sales during the uncertainty, adapting to Federal Government restrictions to retain customers.
Conceding there was guilt associated with the ability to continue to trade “almost like normal”, owner Ben Hull said the business was adhering to all requirements, while reaching out to support other shopfronts and offering additional shifts for employees.
“You go down the street and there are few cars and people seem to be taking things seriously,” Mr Null said, praising the community for doing the right thing.
Across town, fellow burger restaurant Stax Burger Co owner Zaynn Bird said there had been a complete change in business since the global pandemic.
“We have gone from 90pc in-store to 90pc delivery and some places are doing delivery which have not (delivered) in almost a decade or never before,” Mr Bird said.
Mr Bird said changes had been made with front-of-house staff adapting roles to become delivery drivers and hours dispersed evenly among members.
“It has not stopped business, but I think it had made me look at business a different way.”
Also adapting to change, Expresso Eatery co-owner Raina Habets said the cafe had received larger bulk orders from schools and businesses in a show of strong community support.
“We have also had a lot of new customers which have not been here before just to provide support,” Ms Habets said.
“It is great to see everybody supporting each other, even if they might not normally come to us.”
All three businesses are currently listed on www.lcfeed.me – a digital smorgasbord of the Limestone Coast’s best takeaway and delivery options.
Users can refine their search by location and taste or explore many of the great eateries across the Limestone Coast.
The online food hub continues to grow daily, Interested businesses are encouraged to email melissa@tbw.com.au or contact The Border Watch office on 8724 1555.
