The Chronicle

Changes to how eateries work

Cafes and restaurant­s have adapted to new rules

- TOBI LOFTUS For a updated list of places that are open in Toowoomba visit thechronic­le.com.au. To let us know your restaurant is open, email news@thechronic­le.com.au. tobi.loftus@thechronic­le.com.au

TOOWOOMBA’S many restaurant­s and cafes are embracing delivery apps as well as other takeaway systems in the face of the government shutdowns implemente­d earlier this week.

The Federal Government at the weekend announced all restaurant­s and cafes had to move to a takeaway-only model yesterday.

Vietnamese restaurant

Original Saigon has offered a dedicated online ordering platform for several months now, and owner Hieu Pham said except for dine-in customers, it was business as usual.

“You can still get takeaway from us, available from our online ordering system where you can just place an order, pay online and collect it after 10 to 15 minutes,” Mr Pham said.

“A couple of our regular customers have told us they want to continue to order lots and help us out during this hurting time, as they don’t want our business to go.”

Original Saigon is also one of dozens of restaurant­s and cafes available on UberEats.

Some stores have turned to already establishe­d delivery apps like UberEats, Menulog and HappyToo to deliver their food, while others have launched their own services.

A spokesman for Travellers Coffee House on Hume St said the store was offering free delivery to businesses and homes close to the store.

“It’s $5 for the rest of Toowoomba and we are also delivering to the surroundin­g areas for $15.

“Our whole menu and cabinet creations are available along with family lasagnes, quiches, pies etc, so if your family is struggling to get meals we can help you out.”

The GPO cafe on Margaret St has also introduced its own delivery system.

“We will be open seven days a week for (takeaway) breakfast, lunch and three nights for dinner,” a spokespers­on for the store said.

“You will be able to order for takeaway or delivery and for those lucky to live in the CBD, we will even be doing door-to-door room service for you for only $5.

“Even more great news is that you can place the order via Facebook message, Menulog or over the phone. We can now deliver and sell takeaway alcohol too.”

The Chronicle was yesterday contacted by several other cafes and restaurant­s besides the ones published in yesterday’s print edition, that wanted it to be known they were still open and serving takeaway.

Those restaurant­s included Deli Delicious, Cafe Valetta, Sage and Butler, Travellers Coffee House, Raw Sugar Cafe, GPO and Kajoku.

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