Hospitality revival in Adelaide CBD with dine-in vouchers

Tens of thousands of South Aussies will get their hands on a free feed from some of Adelaide’s favourite restaurants. See how you could be one of them.

Thousands of free meals are up for grabs across the CBD and North Adelaide, under the latest scheme to entice more people back to hospitality venues and stave off the pandemic slump.

A public online ballot for 25,000 dine-in vouchers worth $30 each will launch at 9am on Wednesday.

The vouchers, jointly funded by the state government and Adelaide City Council, can be used at 200 CBD and North Adelaide restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and eateries.

Popular venues that have signed up include Eleven, Africola, Golden Boy, 2KW Bar and Restaurant, Lucia’s Pizza & Spaghetti Bar, Concubine, Fishbank, Kosho and Sean’s Kitchen.

Sally Davey, who owns CBD restaurant Melt, hopes the vouchers will attract new customers.

“I think it’s a great incentive to be a part of,” she said.

“The city was a very vibrant place and we need to get back to that spot again.

“We might get some new clientele and remind people that we’re still here.”

Ms Davey, of Parkside, said it had been tough for businesses battling through the pandemic.

“I think it’s a great reminder that we need to keep doing things like this.

Co owners of Melt on Waymouth Street, executive chef Scott Kuerschner and Sally Davey. Picture: Mark Brake

“The Fringe has been really good for us, we just need people to come back to work and remind people the city is a great place.

“We’ve got a great little community here. It would be good to get people back out.”

Premier Steven Marshall said the vouchers would help boost trade as Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease.

“I urge South Australians to tuck-in their napkins, roll up their sleeves and enjoy a hearty meal at any one of the fantastic participating businesses when they become eligible to apply for a voucher,” Mr Marshall said.

He said the latest hospitality support package, along with the government’s other voucher schemes for accommodation and tourist attractions, would stimulate the economy and draw more people to the CBD.

“We know our vouchers are enticing more people to spend money in cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, and this is part of our plan to build a stronger future for South Australians as we put Covid-19 in the rear-vision mirror.”

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor urged people to visit the city and “enjoy our fantastic hospitality venues”.

“I look forward to seeing tables filled for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” she said.

At the weekend, a new round of state government Business Hardship Grants of up to $11,000 became available to eligible Covid-affected firms in any industry.

It brings the total cost of business support announced since December 31 last year – days after density restrictions were tightened – to $158m.

Registrations for new meal vouchers open at 9am Wednesday. South Australians can register for the ballot system at ExperienceAdelaide.com.au/voucher until 9am, on March 7.

Winners will be notified by March 11 and the vouchers can be redeemed at venues from March 21 until May 31.