F&B outlets 'very happy' to resume dine-in amid 'challenging' two-people rule

22 June, 2021
F&B outlets 'very happy' to resume dine-in amid 'challenging' two-people rule
Employees at food and beverage outlets that resumed dining-in on Monday (Jun 21) expressed happiness and relief at receiving customers at their outlets again.

The COVID-19 multi ministry task force announced last Friday that dining-in can restart in sets of up to two persons on Monday, rather than five as previously planned. Dining-in was not allowed since May 16 amid the rising number of COVID-19 community cases. 

“The previous few weeks have definitely damaged us a lot,” said assistant general manager at The Coffee Academics in Raffles City Hui Kit Keong, adding that sales had dropped by about 80 per cent.

“It will probably take about 8 weeks to extract losses, provided we continue dining-in.” 

When CNA visited the eatery on Monday at lunchtime, customers were spaced out, with about two empty tables between groups.

Under the new measures, the capability at the outlet has been reduced by about 30 per cent, said Mr Hui. In addition they had to reduce the amount of staff members to account for a smaller number of customers. 

“But we are extremely happy. At least there are sales. Being in the service line, we are able to finally speak to people. Hopefully, we are able to go back to (dining-in at F&B outlets in groups of five) soon, and then with people vaccinated, we are able to go back to normal,” said Mr Hui. 

"CHALLENGING" TO ENFORCE RULES 

At NamNam Noodle Bar in Raffles City, sales were “pretty good” during the last few weeks. 

“Our delivery platform took off. Hopefully, this will be consistent. During 'circuit breaker', we performed badly, but this time around we included delivery islandwide,” said Andrew Ou, 37, the eatery’s area manager. 

He told CNA that delivery sales tripled in the last few weeks compared to the circuit breaker period last year.

To prevent COVID-19 transmission, area managers at NamNam work in a particular outlet, instead of rotating between outlets.

The NamNam outlet at Raffles City now seats 22 customers, weighed against about 40 to 50 customers prior to the pandemic. 

“It’s going to be exciting, nonetheless it could possibly be challenging to explain the brand new rules to guests. We foresee it to be a concern, though it isn’t now,” added Mr Ou. 

USUALLY "ALMOST FULL"

The excitement from eateries at Funan retail center was more muted because of the thin lunch crowd. 

Cafe Kuriko, which opened on Sunday, is "limited" in its grab customers, unlike restaurants in residential areas, its manager Mark Banter told CNA. 

The brand new cafe, which would normally manage to fit about 60 customers, only allows about 32 customers to dine within the new measures. 

Mr Banter, 32, attributed the small crowd partly to the actual fact that home based continues to be the default in Singapore.

Similarly, at Bizen restaurant in Funan, the steakhouse only had four customers when CNA visited at about 12.30pm on Monday. 

It could usually be "almost full" in those days, especially when "individuals were going back to any office", said restaurant manager Sharon Yeo. 

Ms Yeo, 39, is concerned about her own income, as she must support her family. Over the last few weeks when dining-in had not been allowed, Bizen did not open for deliveries. 

“At least now we are able to get paid again. Regardless of how much the federal government covers us with subsidies, you can’t cover everything. We still need to give our parents money; you can’t just stop because you don’t have employment,” she told CNA. 

At JiBiru Yakitori and Craft Beer at 313@Somerset retail center, the restaurant has been “struggling” during the last couple of weeks when dining-in ceased. 

Despite having takeaway and delivery options, they only averaged “S$500 to S$600 each day” on weekdays, said the restaurant's assistant manager Alan Carrillo.  

“We are happy that dining-in has resumed but it’s still a lttle bit risky. What’s important is you take care of yourself, sanitise and follow the guidelines,” he added. 

The restaurant now seats about 32 customers, down from 80 to 100 customers pre-pandemic. 

Mr Carrillo said he's “afraid” that dining-in might cease again, affecting his staff members' salaries. 

“Everyone still must work and make money. I’m hoping the situation are certain to get better in these coming weeks. The only solution is to vaccinate everyone,” he said.

CUSTOMERS DON'T HAVE TO "ELIMINATE AND GO HUNGRY"

It looked to become more crowded at some F&B outlets in heartland shopping mall Junction 8 when CNA transpired on Monday evening. 

There is a 45-minute wait time at Genki Sushi, with about 12 people in the queue just slightly before 7pm. 

At Watami Japanese Dining, about 60 % of the restaurant have been filled during lunch, surpassing its expectations. 

"We are pleased with the crowd today. We expected our restaurant to be only 20 to 30 per cent filled. Since dining in has resumed, we feel more secure with this job now. Our company can be more confident to keep business," said manager Andrie Shiet, 38. 

The crowd on Monday at Ajisen Ramen was "not bad" aswell, said shop leader Sam Yip, 38. 

"Maybe people just haven't dined set for such a long time, so they've returned," he added.

But at Huluruk Myeon House, manager Minny Ong was "a bit worried" about the handful of customers in the Korean restaurant. 

"Before the pandemic, we would already have a complete house with people queuing up outside at 6.30pm," the 27-year-old told CNA in Mandarin. 

"But at least for individuals who are returning home from work, they are able to just sit and eat their food immediately. They don't really have to take away and go hungry." 

It was a spot noted by Greendot supervisor Neil Thi. 

"They just want to sit in. Dining-in isn't only better for our business, but we also take care of our customers," said the 24-year-old.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
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