Surf Coast eateries go kerbside

AS SURF Coast restaurateurs switch cutlery and plates for takeaway utensils and containers in response to government-ordered closures because of the coronavirus, services have been adapted to give locals the dining out experience from the comfort of their homes.

Rocky Point co-owner Wayne Birch said the Bell Street burger house was now offering no-contact home delivery for the first time since taking over the popular eatery (formerly The Bottle of Milk).

“We’ve been moving towards it but we brought it forward because people can’t come to us.

“We’ve always done takeaway and a significant part of our business is takeaway, but home deliveries will certainly help people.”

Mr Birch said the restaurant had upped the ante on its food handling and hygiene practices to give takeaway diners peace of mind.

“There’s very stringent food and hygiene practices that restaurants are meant to do and we follow anyway as a matter of course but we’ve taken further steps to ensure that during these difficult times, staff members and anyone who works in our area adheres to those health practices,” he said.

Takeaway and home delivery orders can be made from 5pm (Tuesday-Saturday) by phoning the restaurant on 5264 8236.

“I think this is an opportunity for the local community to support local business,” Mr Birch said. “It’s important we all stick together. Everyone will get through this and come out on the other side.”

Tom McGrath of Bomboras Torquay said staff will be serving takeaway coffees and light breakfast options out of its window from 6am.

Bomboras’ dinner menu will be available for takeaway and home delivery from 5pm (phone 52647881), a service Mr McGrath said has not been offered in five years.
He hoped the new services would keep his full-time staff on the payroll.

“We’re working seven days a week just to keep the doors open. It’s not a great situation all round.

“It’s been really good to see the support that people have been trying to give local businesses on social media and so forth, but we understand that people can only do what they can do.”

Bomboras Pop-Up Bar is closed, but Bomboras Point Roadknight in Anglesea is trading similarly to Bomboras Torquay.

Anglesea’s Roots Organic Providore is offering four options of essential food boxes and can be ordered online.

The contents of each box will be changed regularly and posted to Instagram (@rootsanglesea and @greatoceanroadwellness), with the choice to purchase ready to eat meals. Head to greatoceanroadhampers.com.

The Stoop, Pearl Torquay and Miami Torquay will also be offering takeaway options for locals.

For an updated list of local restaurants and cafes offering takeaway and delivery options, join the “Surfcoast Takeaway & Delivery Options” Facebook group, which has garnered more than 1,000 members in two days.