“They’re doing essential work to keep our communities moving as we fight the virus”
Sydney Manoush advertising they’re “now on Uber Eats” (Instagram)
Food delivery services are considered to be thriving during the Coronavirus period in Australia, facilitating to customers in self isolation. The rapid spread of the virus has had a drastic impact on the food industry, in particular local restaurants and cafes within Chipping Norton.
Considered an essential service, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi claims that the food delivery drivers are an essential to our community during this time.
“The most important thing we can do right now is support drivers,” says Ms Khosrowshahi.
“They’re doing essential work to keep our communities moving as we fight the virus, but with fewer trips happening they need more ways to earn,” she says.
As individuals are self-isolating in their own homes following the instructions of the NSW Government, local food businesses in Chipping Norton have slowed down due to a decrease in customers walking through the doors.
In late March, Prime Minister Scott Morrison lifted restrictions for restaurants, allowing some flexibility for them to continue generating an income.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing new restrictions. Source: ABC News
“Food courts in shopping centres will not allowed to continue,” PM Morrison says.
“Getting takeaway food from outlets can continue, because takeaway is able to be done,” continues Mr Morrison.
Although this may seem like a successful strategy for local restaurants, many don’t find it convenient.
Jehad Abdel-Malek, Founder of Sydney Manoush, shares how these food delivery services have put a financial strain on his business. Establishing Sydney Manoush in 2019, Mr Abdel Malek has found that Uber Eats has become his main delivery service.
“With Uber in Sales, we’re probably doing anywhere between $1000 and up in sales. But then uber takes 35%, so the week that just went past, we paid $1100 just in one week to uber just in fees,” Mr Abdel-Malek shares.
“That’s why a lot of small businesses find it hard to use uber cause they’re killing themselves with all the fees they’re being charged,” continues Mr Abdel-Malek.
In the past week, the NSW government has recently announced that restrictions are beginning to ease for some businesses.
As of May 15th, 2020, restaurants and pubs are set to reopen for business. However, 10 patrons are permitted to be seated provided they adhere to the four-square metre policy, excluding staff.
At a recent press conference, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has reassured that she was hesitant about easing these restrictions. However, trusts that restaurants and pub owners will be responsible with the social distancing policy.
“The last thing you want to get the disease or spread the disease as you’re waiting in queue for a service or to purchase something,” says Premier Berejiklian.
However, many restaurants are still reluctant to open their doors for dinners as they struggle to make profit under the restrictions.
I’m a final year Bachelor of Communications (journalism) student that aspires to explore the stories of people from different walks of life. As a second-generation Australian with Lebanese heritage, I have always been captivated by how people can have such similar yet completely different experiences and have incredible stories to share. Being a part of the W’SUP team has allowed me to publish the diversity of people’s lives through my new column, Humans of WSU! More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to give our WSU student’s a voice through W’SUP. If you’re interested in sharing an inspiring life experience (I’m always fascinated!), or have a story to pitch, feel free to contact me!
