MANDURAH residents are rallying around local businesses as COVID-19 restrictions leave cafes and restaurants facing uncertain futures.
Many operators are seeing regulars continue to come in to offer their support as well as buy lunch.
Cool Eats is on the Mandurah Foreshore. Owner Sandy Riley said the community support had lifted her spirits.
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READ NOW“Thank you so much for your ongoing support at the moment because I expect a lot of our regulars are just coming in to show moral support,” she said.
“I love them for it, and it’s really heartwarming, and Mandurah, just stick in there because we will bounce back.
“We have some gems of regular customers and, without them, we wouldn’t be able to stay open.”
Despite the support from regulars, Ms Riley has seen customers drop by about 50 per cent per day.
“In my head, why isn’t everyone just closing; it doesn’t make sense to me,” she said.
“I’ve cut back on what I put in the fridge because I just can’t afford to waste it.”
Tods Cafe has also had to shut down its Halls Head business during the COVID-19 pandemic and temporarily lay off the vast majority of its 60-member staff, but is still serving takeaway at the Mandurah cafe.
Tods Cafe manager Mel Quatember said the community had shown “amazing support” to the business, which transitioned from a Dome franchise to an independent restaurant last year.
“They have just kept coming in and people are just adapting. Some of them are sitting outside on the wall,” she said.
Ms Quatember said police and City staff had continued to get their coffee and breakfast from them.
“They are sharing the love around to everyone who is still open. But we’re certainly still seeing a lot of everyone,” she said.
“It’s great to see everyone is still trying to shop local where possible.”
One resident has gone a step further, taking to Facebook to create a page dedicated to promoting businesses who are still doing takeaway and delivery meals.
Kylie Hewitt created the Mandurah Cafes & Restaurants – now offering takeaway or delivery page to help the community connect with these businesses and help sort through some of the confusion.
“I was scrolling through Facebook, and there were so many notices from cafes and restaurants saying they were moving to delivery or takeaway only,” she said.
“I just thought, wouldn’t it be good if all of this information could be in one place and used as a resource for both customers and businesses.”
She has been careful to make sure the page still promotes social distancing and people staying at home where possible but hopes the page can benefit everyone.
“I hope that through informing the community about safe contactless takeaway and delivery options it will make this situation a little less painful on everyone,” she said.
“Mandurah’s been fortunate to have so many wonderful eateries, and they employ so many staff and boost our tourism.
“We know people are hurting, and that’s likely to increase with business closures, but if you’re in a position to do so, please support local businesses.”
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