How food delivery services (UberEats, Menu Log) have been the saving grace in the last 18 months for the hospitality industry.

A year and a half later into the pandemic and recurring lockdowns, the food and hospitality industry has somehow managed to remain resilient and even thrive amid this chaos. A big part of this is because of food delivery services. Here we explore some of the reasons why in the last 18 months, the collaboration with the food delivery services has proven to be a saving grace for the hospitality industry.

Helping To Keep And Create Jobs

The global pandemic impacted the worldwide economy and especially impacted small and medium-sized businesses in the food industry. Many companies were forced to minimise their operations massively. However, due to most cities across the world having food delivery services, this allowed their operations to continue. Therefore, many independent vendors and business owners had the opportunity to generate income. On the one hand, food delivery services enable the food industry to remain functional, allowing the kitchen staff to return to work; the surge in food deliveries has also increased job allotments for delivery personnel opening an avenue for income for those forces who need work.

Learning to Adapt and Evolve

The lockdowns across Australia meant that businesses needed to find ways to stay afloat. Although offering takeout and delivery services has always been the norm for some eateries, numerous other food businesses had to adapt to this model to continue functioning. Along with this, companies realised the importance of evolving and adapting the best practices for the safety and convenience of their customers. We saw exponential digitisation in food ordering and payment, improvisation in the menu, elevation in safety and hygiene practices, and increased sensitivity to consumer and engagement. These trends are likely to stay even when the pandemic is far behind us, which is a good thing.

Focus On Their Operations

If not for the food delivery services, the shutdown of food and hospitality businesses would seem inevitable. Although for the consumers and business owners, the cost does add up a little having to work with another business, such as Uber EATS, Menu log, Deliveroo or Door dash, making use of the pre-existing infrastructure of the delivery industry has saved the hospitality industry from the investment of time and finances of having to put such complex logistical systems into place by themselves. Instead, food businesses can optimise their model to better suit the changing times and remain operational while an entirely different industry handles the delivery-related challenges.

Uplifting The Morale Of Business Owners

No one could have predicted how long the pandemic would be impacting our lives. A year and a half of inoperability would have forced privately owned humble establishments in the hospitality industry to shut down. Food delivery services have been a saving grace for food businesses and a ray of hope for dispirited business owners. The operations of food delivery services have allowed many hospitality establishments to remain open. Even though the business might not peak in terms of revenue, it can at least remain operational. Knowing they can weather the storm at a time like this, perhaps a boost in morale is what the small business owners need more.