The ‘new normal’ for our restaurants |14 May 2020
Savita Parekh, The Boardwalk
Trying their best to practice social distancing and looking forward to be back in business
Another service that is being affected badly by the COVID-19 is restauration. Usually the main clientele of restaurants consisted of tourists or even groups of tourists. Some also created a local market by offering happy hours or even buffet services. We contacted some of the restaurants to see how they are coping with the ‘new normal’ and how are they are surviving. After talking to the owners/managers of these restaurants, we have a feeling that yes, things will not be normal business for them and for us locals, if the means permit, let us support each other by eating local and enjoy the company of each other while respecting the rules of social distancing.
Savita Parekh, The Boardwalk: “The Boardwalk is open and once again the place to be, however with a few changes to fit the ‘new normal’ that we all have to grow accustomed to. The safety of our valued customers and team are our number one priority that is why we have implemented some additional measures in line with the department of health’s guidelines to ensure that everyone can once again enjoy or delicious food and drinks in a safe environment.
Firstly, our team has been empowered with the relevant information and guided on personal hygiene and preventative measures. We have always maintained an exemplary level of hygiene, cleanliness and food safety by cleaning and disinfecting all tables and surfaces in between each table service as well as our restrooms several times a day. This remains in practice along with extra hand sanitisers that we have placed throughout the restaurant.
“We are recommending that customers make reservations in advance, especially during busier times over the weekend. Reservations are limited to 6 persons per table as per the health guidelines and our team have been trained to monitor and step in when necessary to provide a friendly reminder to customers to maintain safe distances at all times.
“For now our celebrated weekend parties and live entertainment are still on hold until further notice, however we are thrilled to be open once again and are committed to offering our customers the excellent service, food and drinks that they are used to as well as the extra protection required in these unprecedented times. Current operating hours: Monday to Sunday 8am to 11pm (all day dining).”
Mathew Chanyumwai, one of the shareholders of the Tamassa Lounge and Seafood Restaurant, Moloko Restaurant and Kapatya: “We offer a menu consisting of seafood, Chinese and Creole cuisine. Our ‘new normal’ for us is not really a good one. Business is bad as there are no tourists and we do not know what the future holds. For now it does not look that good. We even changed our menu and introduced cheaper menus so that our regular clients and new clients can afford our specialties. Since last week we introduced our delivery service in town and it worked well. We have also developed a new Moloko App with new menus so that people can order online. The delivery service will be from 11am to 3pm. All our restaurants are open and people can call us anytime. All our tables have been set according to the new health guidance and all our tables are sanitised after each service like we were doing before. With COVID-19 we are also relooking at our menus and introducing light snacks and sandwiches for delivery! We have to adapt to the situation to survive as we have workers to pay.”
From Surfers Beach Restaurant: “New norms are social distancing between tables as per health guidelines and also the wiping down of tables and menus with sanitising solution after each use. All cutlery, crockery and tumblers and glasses are steam cleaned after use in a commercial restaurant dishwasher which washes with hot water and special dishwashing disinfectant liquid soap which also automatically blow dries in the dishwasher. In the toilet, washroom facilities are cleaned and sanitised four times a day instead of two times a day. Liquid dispenser soap and no cloth or paper hand towels in the wash rooms but have installed an automatic hand drier which blows hot air to dry hands. This is about all you can do! »
Noella Gappy, manager of Chilli Bar: “The restaurant is still offering the take away service. We are still doing a free delivery service in the town area only from Chilli Bar. Meals can also be collected at the restaurant. We thank our customers for their kind support during the lockdown and we look forward to being of service to them. We are now open for lunch and dinner on à la carte basis only. For now we will not go into buffet until we are advised by the ministry. We are abiding by the social distancing practice as advised by the department of health.”
Compiled by Vidya Gappy
