As more people are staying home over fears of COVID-19 transmission, internet users are likely to see more social media posts announcing temporary closures of restaurants that promoted takeaway and delivery services a few days before.

The Jakarta Post recently wrote that among a number of F&B outlets that have temporarily shut down is the Ismaya Group, which operates more than 60 restaurants and cafes under 20 brands.

The Ismaya Group announced on its website that it supports the local government’s recommendations to close down all restaurants, bars and offices.

Several restaurant/hospitality chains followed suit, including Potato Head, whose brands include Desa Potato Head in Bali and Kaum restaurant in Jakarta. The latter started a temporary closure on Thursday, after adjusting its operational hours and promoting its delivery service a week before.

Meanwhile, the Biko group with its 11 restaurant and bars such as the newly opened Black Pond Tavern and Pippo Italian restaurant announced a temporary closure on March 23 through social media posts that depicted joyful-looking staff giving a sense of optimism.

Temporary closures, while necessary to flatten the transmission curve of COVID-19, are undoubtedly dilemmas for the industry players.

Restaurant owners are feeling responsible for providing income for their staff members, who are mostly young and have families, including children, to support, but on the other hand, restaurants would be considered to lack social responsibility if they stay open.

Astrid Suryatenggara, chief marketing officer of the MDA group that operates Akira Back Jakarta, AB Steak, Animale and Carbón, said the company is doing its best to find the balance between being socially responsible and abiding by the government’s initiative and at the same time trying to ensure the livelihoods of all staff members.

“Efficiency is a must, so that the company can still survive once the pandemic is over […]. If the company doesn’t survive, then there will not be jobs for them post-pandemic,” said Astrid in a text message to the Post.

At the time of writing, the MDA group’s newly opened Animale restaurant was offering its signature dishes and special menu items for delivery and takeaway. It deploys its own staff to do the deliveries.

Meanwhile, the Union Group that operates 17 F&B establishments even offers discounts on takeaway items from its restaurants including Benedict, Bistecca, Caffe Milano, Cork&Screw Country Club, Union and its newest outlet Roma. Among the foods and beverages offered for takeaway and delivery is pre-mixed cocktails, as well as wine and spirits.

Union group collaborates with delivery service provider GoFood, offering special prices on selected menu items.

Both the MDA group and Union group were still opening some of their restaurants for dining in as of Friday, taking every step to ensure the safety of restaurant patrons and staff alike. Guests would be seated at alternate tables to ensure a minimum of one meter distance between each group. All staff members and guests’ body temperatures are also to be checked before entering the premises and anyone who registers above 37 degrees Celsius would not be allowed entry.

Hygiene protocols including wearing masks and gloves, as well as frequent sanitizing of touch points, are also applied.

Long story short, the restaurants that remain open thrive for the sake of staff welfare while responding to demands that still exist. They also want to ensure their existence on the other end of the pandemic.

What is enlightening to hear is that these restaurant groups are in close contact with one another, as they share the same trouble over having to let staff members go, according to Astrid.

“We are in this together,” she said.

Popular

To my horror, it’s just a movie!

RI, Australia strengthen partnership on taxing crypto assets

Pentagon chief congratulates Prabowo on being elected President