Restaurants in Melbourne’s CBD band together to get through uncertain times

Now is no time for competing, in fact, restaurants in Melbourne’s CBD have found a way to combine resources to get through these uncertain times.

As Melbourne’s hospitality sector battles on in survival mode, many business owners are realising the power of collaboration to navigate these trying times.

After lockdown forced the industry to a halt in March, celebrity chef and multiple restaurant owner, including Maha in the CBD, Shane Delia pooled resources from business acquaintances to create a lifeline for others.

The problem was getting meals to customers who could no longer travel and the solution is now known as Providoor – a successful food delivery service bringing chef prepared meals from 50 of Melbourne’s best restaurants to homes.

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Shane Delia, CEO of Providoor, says Melbourne’s hospitality industry is resilient and is evolving through this crisis. Picture: Jay Town

“We needed to get our product out to customers in a COVID-safe way but also maintain brand values and hot food wasn’t going to cut it,” Delia said.

“The whole idea was in 15 minutes they could be eating restaurant quality, high-end meals. When we first started, I needed a partner to help me get to market and (Melba Fresh owner) Lou Ponte owns one of the most successful fruit and vegetable businesses in the state and had a fleet of refrigerated vans.

“Without their early intervention and willingness to support another local business, Providoor wouldn’t be here and that would mean tens of millions of dollars that would not be circulating in the Melbourne economy.”

Providoor’s success was also due to the contacts and relationships Mr Delia had forged over many years, including Westpac where he’s been a customer for 10 years.

Meals, similar to these from Maha, can now be delivered to your door and can be ready on your table with minimum preparation. Picture: Eve Wilson

He said the bank helped with loan deferrals, and was a constant source of information.

Mr Ponte said as Melba is a fourth-generation fruit and vegetable wholesale business, they were proud to play a part in creating a solution for struggling restaurants.

“At the time we identified the community was struggling to have access to food. So we set up Melba & Me and for the first time supplied directly to the public,” Mr Ponte said.

“Shane’s been a friend for a long time and we had a fleet of 12-13 trucks so when he asked if we would support him setting up Maha Go to initially just deliver from his restaurant, we were more than happy to.

“He in turn supported us by advertising through his website. Then he went on to set up Providoor.”

Both Providoor and Melba & Me plan to expand their business model beyond Victoria.

Visit providoor.com.au and melbaandme.com

This article is part of a small business special report supported by Westpac.