Almost two months to the day since we wrote our last news editorial, and hasn’t it been strange?
As we are come out of lockdown here in Sydney there’s a mixed reaction in hospitality quarters to the new rules. With the social distancing measures in place it is understandably not economically viable for all cafes, restaurants and bars to open immediately. Some of the smaller operations are going ahead to get back into the groove of service, whilst continuing to offer take away and delivery options.
It’s been a more difficult shift for the larger restaurant groups such as Merivale and Solotel to adapt their business to the new requirements. But their operation costs and real estate commitments make this a less flexible way of doing business. In the past few weeks a couple have emerged with take away and home delivery offers utilising their remaining staff as delivery people and charging a fair amount to do so.
We applaud the tenacity and creativity of our hospitality community in turning their businesses around to meet the challenge of COVID-19. Mini-Italian Markets on verandahs, in-store pantries of grains & tins and selling-off the wine cellar have been some of the innovative survival tactics used over the past 2.5 months of lockdown to make enough to pay the rent and skeleton staff.
We hope that one of the by-products of COVID-19 will be better working conditions for food delivery riders and improved fee arrangements with both the bigger operators and smaller operators who have kicked-off during this time. Companies such as Love Local - started by restaurateur Hamilton Kings of Potts Point Pan-Asian Honka’s - have revealed that both the delivery provider AND the restaurant or bar can make a fair amount off home delivery. Instead of everyone feeling screwed!
Opening again is also a sign of increased morale and a belief that we are going to come out of the other side of this situation. Letting Sydneysiders and the world know we are open for business and ready to play.
So let’s do this Sydney and continue to look after one another by following the protocols. Giving our small businesses a chance to not just survive but thrive once again in our beautiful city.
Now go and wash your hands.