City serves up innovation

TOOWOOMBA diners have an insatiable appetite for new restaurants that innovative existing cafes and businesses are cooking up different menus to satisfy.

Alongside a growing number of new venues popping up in the CBD and outer fringes are several existing and wellestablished outlets which are diversifying operations to remain competitive in the increasingly competitive small business sector.

And it’s the diners who are reaping the benefit as stronger focus is put on customer service and quality products.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Jo Sheppard said the city’s developing food scene was positive and reflective of a nationwide spending trend.

Ms Sheppard said a CommSec analysis of where people were spending their money identified a significant increase in the food and dining scene.

“It’s really positive to see that here in Toowoomba, and really exciting for locals to have options and opportunities,” she said.

But beyond the growing laneway and coffee culture, the influx of new cafe and restaurant operators put pressure back on small businesses to remain viable.

Ms Sheppard said patrons were the winners with a closer focus on customer service and expanded trading hours, as well as fine-tuning menus and catering for niche demand.

“In terms of individual businesses, obviously competition is getting stiffer and the businesses that I’m talking to are working hard to maintain their point of difference,” she said.

“They are really honing in on the skills of running a financially stable business, and honing in on the financial bits of their business.

“But I’m seeing small businesses being incredibly innovative which is what small businesses do.”