District foodies adapt

A growing list of Docklands businesses are adapting their operations to our lockdown restrictions instead of closing their doors.

At the District Docklands more than 10 different restaurants and food stores are now operating through takeaway and delivery.

The District CEO George Karabatsos said the retailers were a great example of businesses adjusting their operations to provide essential items for their customers.

“We are working closely with all of our operators – and this will be an ongoing effort to support our Urban Village community to ensure they always have access to essentials,” he said.

The retailers now offering delivery and/or takeaway include Dohtonbori Okonomiyaki, China Bar, Empire Asian Supermarket, Urban Alley Brewery, Gelateria on the Docks, Buffalo’s Burgers Wings and Steaks, SPQR Pizzeria, Old Man Pho, Gozleme King, San Churro Chocolateria and Penny Coffee.

SPQR Pizzeria owner David Mackintosh said that while the crisis had hit his business hard, it has led it in a new direction.

“Our regular business and leisure crowd were, rightly, told to stay home for their own safety and so we had to think about how we could still run our business,” he said.

“The answer has been to create a new brand called From Scratch Dough and to make our wonderful sourdough pizza bases available online and for sale in great food stores around Melbourne and to work with our delivery partners to get fresh hot pizza straight to people’s homes.”

“We’re proud of how our team has adjusted and created a new business in only two weeks.”

San Churro Docklands owners Cherry Sharma and Laxman Bhardwaj said it had been difficult to adapt, but they were proud of their achievements.

“We have proudly kept our doors open with the same trading hours and have been bringing our loyal customers delicious food and great deals through delivery partners,” they said.

“Despite the difficult climate, we’re still innovating with a range of exclusive, brand new products and we’re proud to have launched our own delivery platform at order.sanchurro.com.”

“To show our support and appreciation for essential workers, we’re also offering free coffee for emergency workers, healthcare professionals, police and anyone on the frontline – we’re all in this together.”

For more visit thedistrictdocklands.com.au •