Discounts on the menu as lockdown hits eateries hard
A BURTON restaurant owner says special offers are keeping his business sustainable during lockdown.
Restaurants across the country have had to close and only offer collection or delivery services.
And Claypot Lounge boss Bablu Miah says adapting as a delivery and collection service has been challenging. But by having regular special offers, he is finding a way to keep his business sustainable.
The 38-year-old, who owns the New Street eatery, said: “The pandemic has been tough for all of us and I want my customers to not feel like they are missing out.
“That’s why I have decided to offer a 20 per cent discount on all orders.
“I can’t afford to throw the food away and by having special offers, the food does tend to sell without any issues. The weekend trade is going along nicely. However, during the week, things have been very slow and for now we can just keep going and hope for the best.
“If we are still in a lockdown, I will continue this offer for the whole month and look to put on more offers as I need to survive and not worry about running at a loss.”
Azmal Hussain, owner of Apne Indian Cuisine, in Cross Street says things have been tough, but his customers have stayed loyal.
The 53-year-old said: “Business is very tough and I’d like to thank my customers who have been very supportive during these testing times.
“We are just surviving and I am hopeful we will keep going and get through these difficult times.
“My customers ask me how I am before ordering, which is very heartwarming, and I’m very thankful for their support.
“Usually with Valentine’s Day around the corner we’d be busy with people eating in, but it looks like we’ll be missing out on that trade this time around. To maintain social distancing. I’ve reduced the number of staff we have and am hoping the decision to allow us to open as an eat-in service isn’t too far away.”
Ashiq Hussain, owner of Balti Tower, in Station Street said: “The impact on my business this time around has been worst then the first lockdown. People don’t have the same amount of money as before and can’t justify paying for a takeaway. Things are very tough and even with the promotions we have for those collecting, the food business is very slow.
“I have had to furlough staff members and, the way things are going, I don’t know when I’ll be able to get them to start working again.
“I’m very confident once the lockdown is done, I’ll get my customers back. I’ve been here a long time and people know they get good food from here.”
Last month the Government announced that around 600,000 retail, hospitality and leisure sites would be able to claim a one-off grant of up to £9,000.
However, business groups warned the support was “only a sticking plaster” for immediate problems, and more financial measures would be needed.
The programme of grants will cost the Treasury £4.6 billion and come in addition to grants worth up to £3,000 for closed businesses, and up to £2,100 per month for impacted businesses once they reopen.