Deliveries reshape real estate

and chairs to eat in-house. ‘‘Ghost restaurants allow operators to run a viable business with a minimal footprint,’’ Beasleigh said.

Some operators could also decide they no longer needed prime real estate to capture business, he said.

First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson said food-delivery businesses had transformed consumer behaviour and expectations.

‘‘Food operators, particularly quick-service restaurants and takeaways, [now] need to have a delivery solution, either provided by a third-party service or managed by themselves,’’ he said.

‘‘Restaurants are using the likes of Uber Eats as a way to stay on the radar in their marketplace.

‘‘For most, it’s about profile, especially given the margins homedelivery operators charge, which does challenge profitability for many restaurants whose operational costs are already high.’’

Food delivery businesses were unlikely to change the property requirements of restaurants at the upper end of the market, Wilkinson said.

‘‘Quality restaurants can rest easy, as Uber Eats is unlikely to change the needs and expectations of their customer base. Their property needs will likely remain unchanged. For them, high-profile locations still have the power to create awareness and stimulate walk-in custom.’’

Beasleigh said the opportunity to capture food delivery sales should be at the forefront of restaurateurs’ property requirements.

‘‘Operators could risk losing out on a growing revenue stream if the location of their business is not within 30 minutes’ drive of their target market, or in areas not covered by delivery services such as Uber Eats. This could lead to a clustering of food and beverage businesses in high-custom locations that offer easy access to motorways and major arterial routes.’’