Resort opts for drive-thru service to stay afloat

PORT DICKSON: Not wanting to rely too much on room sales which have been affected by the Movement Control Order, a four-star resort here took the initiative to sell food prepared by its own chefs using a drive-thru concept.

AnCasa Residences Port Dickson general manager Nazrul Nasihin said the effort was made to help the resort generate more income for its survival, besides supporting its operating cost.

“The hotel industry is facing financial burden to survive so we are finding alternatives by introducing the drive-thru service whereby we open up stalls at the main lobby compound starting last Friday.

“We offer a variety of food including Negeri Sembilan traditional dishes such as masak lemak cili api with a price range of RM5 to RM16 each. The stalls are open every day from 11 am to 6 pm,” he told Bernama.

Elaborating, he said the idea to sell food via drivethru concept was mooted as the resort was situated near the main road which makes it easier for customers to come and grab some meal.

Nazrul said customers have the option of placing orders beforehand via Facebook or the resort’s website or they can simply drive over to the lobby compound to do so.

“So, there will be no hassle of having to get out of their vehicles to buy food. Just place an order and wait in the car at the allocated parking spaces,” he said.

As Covid-19 preventive measures, he said all employees at the stalls were required to wear face masks and gloves while customers would have to get their body temperature checked prior to entering the resort compound.

“Alhamdulillah, on normal days we can generate between RM300 and RM450 per day while on weekends our sales can reach up to RM1,500 per day,” Nazrul said.

A customer, Aley Suhaimi, 39, said the drive-thru stalls have helped customers to purchase takeaway food quickly besides reducing close interaction.

“It is very convenient because we don’t have to wait with so many people in the restaurant and they also provide us with free drinks while waiting for our orders,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Taiping, Perak, a four-star hotel took the initiative to set up stalls in several locations in the heritage town to sell food such as nasi lemak, fried noodles and fried chicken at a price of as low as RM1 to RM3.

Grand Baron Hotel assistant human resources manager Noraini Abdul Wahab said among the locations were near the Kamunting Wholesale Market; Air Kuning night market site and they also have a kiosk in front of the hotel which is situated in Jalan Bukit Larut.

“A total of 45 staff are involved in sales activities starting yesterday. The stalls operation hours are from 7 am to 10 am for breakfast and 11 am to 3 pm for lunch,” she said when met yesterday.

Noraini said the initiative was taken to cover employee salaries and utility bills as room sales have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. – Bernama