As stricter safe distancing measures for public venues, social activities and activities are introduced by the Government to reduce the risk of further local transmission of COVID-19, restaurants across Singapore are turning to delivery as a way to sustain their businesses and keep serving customers in their homes.
Deliveroo has seen over 600 new restaurants join the platform since late January, meaning more restaurants will be able to extend their sales through delivery. Since March 1st, there has been a 50% jump in the number of restaurant sign-ups, compared to the previous month.
The majority of restaurants turning to delivery on Deliveroo have not performed delivery services until now. They include large chains, local family favorites, as well as quick takeaways, such as MOS Burger, Food Republic and Kopi & Tarts.
Helping restaurants transition from dine-in to delivery-only
Deliveroo launched the first delivery-only kitchen in the UK in 2016 as part of its ‘Editions’ program. Launched in Singapore in 2017, Deliveroo currently 25 kitchens across three sites at Katong, CT Hub 2 and ALICE@MEDIAPOLIS.
The company is now using this expertise to help guide restaurants as they make the transition from dine-in to delivery-only outlets during the period of the pandemic. It has published detailed guidance on how restaurants can run delivery-only outlets safely, covering issues such as how to minimize contact, packaging and hygiene best practice.
Other responses by Deliveroo to the needs of restaurants at this challenging time include developing online marketing tools for restaurants to let customers know they are operating delivery services and establishing teams across the business to onboard and support restaurants who want to be able to deliver.
They also include introducing ‘contact-free delivery’ so that restaurants can give confidence to consumers that delivery is conducted safely, sharing expert advice and guidance on how to operate safely during the outbreak, and engaging restaurants to understand ways of supporting their business
Siddharth Shanker, General Manager, Deliveroo Singapore, said that Deliveroo is“here to deliver for restaurants who want to carry on offering their amazing food to customers at home during this difficult time. We are working with restaurants to optimize their operations for delivery, and we are doing everything we can to make sure people still have access to the food they want and need.”
