Covid: How Hills businesses are overcoming the lockdown

When the lockdown was announced last month many companies feared the worst. But Hills businesses have adapted to their circumstances – but now need your help.

Hills businesses are getting creative in a bid to keep trade going through the Sydney lockdown.

It comes as the Hill Shire Council mayor has called on everyone to shop local and support businesses in the community.

Rachel Golding from local catering business Dinner On The Table said she has had to cancel several catering jobs as a result of the lockdown.

“All our catering has been emptied out,” she said.

“We had a number of conferences booked, one for 150 people and another next week for 170 people that got canned.”

Rachel Golding from local catering business Dinner On The Table

“The next few weeks are going to be tricky.”

“I get the lockdown is the right thing to do for now but it does have implications for everyone.”

While she said she was fortunate to have a second arm of her business (preparing ready-made meals for home deliveries) she said catering accounts for about 70-75 per cent of her revenue.

She said she has tried to stay productive through preparing meals for photos to update her website.

Dinner On The Table is also doing catered meals for special events such as birthdays among household members during lockdown.

Cocktails to go on BellaXO website

“We provide Covid-safe catering options for people who might still want to have a catered meal at home for birthdays and special occasions,” Ms Golding said.

Momento Hospitality, which run popular Hills venues including the Hillside Hotel and Bella Vista Hotel, has reintroduced its drive-through at Bella Vista Hotel.

The drive-through allows customers to pick up basic essentials as well as ready-made meals using number plates and contactless payments.

Online drink and delivery service Bella XO is also back from last year’s lockdown.

Residents can order homemade meals, wood fired pizzas and cocktails to their home.

Leon Colosimo said the company was ready for lockdown following their learnings from last year.

“We appreciate the community for being so supportive,” he said. “We're looking forward to getting back open.”

Co-owner of Aerial Fit Rebecca Brush said they were ready to go with the most recent lockdown after setting up their digital platform last year.

“It was a smooth transition online for us,” she said.

“We are lucky that most of our studio clients have taken that on-board.”

Co-owner of Aerial Fit Rebekka Sharpe

Yet she said the schedule has been significantly reduced to two to three classes a day and all school holiday workshops have been postponed.

Hills Shire mayor Dr Michelle Byrne urged the public to support the local business community during the next few weeks.

“Small businesses are integral to the fabric of The Hills Shire for so many reasons, including local employment, entrepreneurship, creativity and for visitor attraction,” Dr Byrne said.

“That's why it’s so important that we continue to support our business community during this stay-at-home period by shopping locally.

“Our business community have demonstrated incredible resilience throughout the pandemic, and their success drives our local and national economy, and keeps people employed.”

Hills Shire Council has also been working with Service NSW and the Business Concierge team to provide free and personalised support to small business owners to help them adapt and recover during this period.

You can find out more here.

Some food outlets open for takeaway

Criniti’s Castle Hill

Castle Towers Shopping Centre

[phone]

Full takeaway and delivery daily.

Modo Mio

1/33 Terminus St, Castle Hill

[phone]

Full takeaway and delivery during standard restaurant hours. Closed Mondays.

Two Brothers Mediterranean

Unit 7 3/9 Terminus St, Castle Hill NSW 2154

0427 676 767

Open for takeaway and delivery Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30-9pm.

15 per cent discount for those who pick up in store.

Bella Beaumont

5/70 The Pkwy, Beaumont Hills

[phone]

Fully open for takeaway and delivery everyday but Monday.

Youeni Food Store

2/250 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill

[phone]

Takeaway for the full menu. Open Monday to Sunday 7.30am to 3.30pm.