Window of opportunity at Nourish’d

Published on 13 October 2020

Nourish'd Eatery has used a COVID-19 Support Grant to install a servery window at its Horsham cafe, allowing for quicker and safer service for staff and customers.

The Victorian lockdowns and constraints on dining have had a severe impact on cafes, and while the restrictions are easing, hospitality businesses are having to innovate to meet the demands of the new COVID normal. 

Nourish'd owner Stewart Neighbour has adapted his shop’s layout in order to welcome more orders from the footpath.

“Through the new servery window, we will be able to serve our new Bad Boy Burger Co range as well as our coffee and health food,” Mr Neighbour said.

“Not having as many people actually inside the door will help with the efficiency of our business. It means staff can spend more time preparing orders,” he said.

Mr Neighbour successfully applied for a Horsham Rural City Council COVID Support Grant to fund the new window, which a local business designed and installed.

Coming into the warmer months, he is also planning other ways to adapt his Roberts Place eatery.

“I am looking to use ordering apps to encourage people to order ahead. This will mean low wait times and pre-ordering will mean that customers aren’t waiting around,” he said.

“I am also looking to promote my business to encourage locals to spend at my locally-owned cafe.”

The grants are open to all HRCC businesses, individuals and community organisations to help them prepare, respond and build resilience to the pandemic. 

Applications are in three streams - Stronger Business, Recreation and Community Recovery, and Arts and Events Activation.

The program is open until March 2021, or until funding is fully allocated.

Applications will be assessed and approved monthly throughout this period to ensure support is available when it’s needed.