Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council launches voucher scheme to revive The Parade hospitality industry

Hundreds of vouchers are on offer for hungry diners looking to eat out in Norwood – here’s how you can get your hands on one.

It’s been hit by one the worst hospitality slumps in living memory but a top Adelaide foodie hotspot has a grand plan to lure diners back.

Hundreds of lucky people could eat for free on The Parade as Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council launches a voucher scheme in an attempt to revitalise its food scene.

There are 500 vouchers, valued at $25, up for grabs to be used at the many cafes, restaurants and eateries along the popular Norwood street.

The council’s move comes as a report from Spendmapp shows how hard The Parade has been hit by Covid-19 restrictions.

A $14m spend in October 2021 dropped to just $9.55m in January following the reintroduction of density limits, according to the data.

Restaurant stalwart Gabriella Cavuoto, owner of European Cafe said the vouchers had come after the most difficult time in her 43-year history on The Parade.

She said the pandemic had been the most significant burden – a 75 per cent drop in income – for the third generation business that was once the only restaurant on the popular dining strip.

Gabriella, Julian, Ricardo, Gianni and Giorgio Cavuoto at their well-known The Parade restaurant, European Cafe. Picture: Supplied

“We just opened week-to-week. It was surreal looking at The Parade just completely empty without anyone there,” she said.

“But now, at least, it’s coming good. It’s taken time, but it is coming good.

“A lot of people are coming and requesting outdoor dining but people are also feeling more confident about eating indoors. We’re seeing the return of that consumer confidence.”

A similar voucher scheme was rolled out last month by the City of Adelaide Council and the state government with 25,000 $30 coupons in offer.

NPSP Mayor Robert Bria said vouchers were particularly important on The Parade.

“There are so many great cafes, restaurants and eateries on The Parade. Unfortunately, they have been hit very hard by Covid restrictions and density limits,” Mr Bria said.

“The Taste of the Parade vouchers … will provide a much-needed boost to patronage.”

“(The data) paints a pretty sobering picture on how the reintroduction of density limits, in late December, have dampened consumer confidence, which is consistent with the feedback I have received speaking to cafe owners and hoteliers.”

NPSP Council late last year moved to reduce the costs for business makers in the municipality by waiving fees for outdoor dining licences between December and June and wiping a rate for The Parade businesses until the middle of the year.

To register for a Taste of The Parade voucher visit theparadenorwood.com from noon on Thursday, March 10.