Adelaide restaurants and hotels beg for local support as they get hit by downturn in trade
“We’ve never seen a decline like this”. Adelaide restaurants and cafes beg locals to continue dining out, or buy takeaway or gift vouchers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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ADELAIDE restaurants are pleading with the public to continue dining out, or order takeaway meals or gift vouchers, to keep the industry alive through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eateries are reporting a downturn in trade of up to 50 per cent as South Australians begin to take refuge in their homes.
Many restaurants are taking increased hygiene measures, such as spacing out tables, no longer refilling customers’ keep cups or accepting cash as payment.
Adelaide institution, George’s on Waymouth, has restricted its restaurant seating to 50 and is offering its full menu as takeaway, with a 25 per cent discount.
“We have had massive cancellations, especially with group corporate and social bookings moving forward,” owner George Kasimatis said.
“It’s worrying times but we will keep pushing and do what we can.”
Italian restaurant Nido in Hyde Park has also reduced its capacity, while Bar Torino in the city has cut back seating at the bar.
Emily Raven, owner of popular city cafe My Kingdom for a Horse, said business had dropped dramatically since the weekend. Sunday’s trade was down about 25 per cent, and Monday around 50 per cent.
Ms Raven has launched a “touch-free” takeaway initiative called “distance dining”, whereby diners can phone order and pick up their meals at the cafe window 20 minutes later. She’s offering a 20 per cent discount on the food, to be paid with card.
“My priority is keeping my staff in work as long as possible,” she said of her 20 staff members. The industry needed clarification from the Government on if, and when, a formal national quarantine would apply, she said.
“Do we keep taking bookings? Do we keep serving people knowing there’s risk?” she said.
“It costs $18,000 a week to keep a business of mine, just to exist, so any closure has to be carefully orchestrated.”
Twenty-seat restaurant, Lot 8 Aldinga, has already made the decision to close, offering takeaway only.
Richmond’s Karma and Crow is among the cafes that have reached out to followers on social media. Owner Janie Kammer encouraged locals to buy gift cards, so that they could dine at a later date.
“Numbers are dropping every day,” she said. “We have never seen a decline like this.”
Restaurant and Catering Australia chief executive officer Wes Lambert said members had reported a spike in takeaway trade, “especially given the work-at-home initiatives”. He said Adelaide caterers were also being affected, with 80-100 per cent of catered events being cancelled.