Burpengary business: ‘It’s so important to support local’

As takeaways become the new normal one Burpengary business says community is finding heartwarming ways to connect.

Francesca Fargnoli is doing takeaway and delivery only due to coronavirus restrictions (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Heartbreak moments and Aussie stoicism are knitting small communities together as businesses battle the odds to stay afloat.

Much-loved Burpengary cafe Basil & Vine is leading the way moving its business to takeaway.

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Francesca Fargnoli at Basil & Vine Italian Cafe in Burpengary says community encouragement is giving them hope. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Basil & Vine Director Francesca Fargnoli said although the family business had implemented wage cuts across the business, including family members it had been done “so that we can give as many shifts to our at-risk staff as possible and to ensure the business survives this tough period”.

With seven full time and 28 casual staff, Ms Fargnoli said the past weeks had given rise not only to business innovation but an outpouring of community support.

“Aussies are pretty stoic and community have been very encouraging towards us,” she said.

“Almost all customers are keeping a stiff upper lip and trying to keep positive. The less fortunate customers are definitely voicing their concerns and there have been a few heartbreak moments listening to their situations. It’s hard especially with the social distancing because everything in you just wants to hug them as they cry – it’s really tough.”

“A lot of customers have been writing us encouraging notes when placing orders online.”

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Francesca Fargnoli director at Basil & Vine Italian Cafe in Burpengary is doing takeaway and delivery only due to coronavirus restrictions (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Ms Fargnoli said support between restaurants was also increasing.

“Phrik Gaeng Thai and Sushi Metro have both on one occasion dropped off free meals for our staff and our staff have been buying coffees for other businesses to show support and solidarity at this time,” she said.

“It is so important to support the local businesses because they are creating the bulk of Australia’s jobs.”

She said while “the prolonged contact with our customers” was gone “we do the best we can to make it (takeaway) a positive, friendly experience – even if it is just a quick chat as they order coffee or a phone call as they order take away over the phone.”

She said Basil & Vine had reached out to Mauricio Henao (an intern at Leonardo Consulting) to gather data to let them know where sales were coming from and at what times.

“This has helped us to roster more efficiently and we we’ve also reached out to a friend who has an accounting background (Sam Ncube) who has been mentoring us through cash flow scenarios and helping us interpret what government assistance is available”.

“We are so blessed to have these contacts and their generous support in these difficult times.”