By Ewen McRae
A local Rockbank cafe is adapting to the new business world, but still taking time to look out for their dedicated customers.
We Love Aintree cafe in Woodlea has introduced a new takeaway menu, including ready to go meals, to help residents living through new social distancing measures.
Managing director Jono Ingram said it was important to adjust as best they could.
“It’s not business as usual that’s for sure, but it’s been really encouraging to still see locals coming out to support us,“ Mr Ingram said.
“We’ve had to re-do our menu to work with a reduced staff, but we have a had a good response to that and the meals that people order to pick up or have delivered have been really popular.
“We’re also selling sour dough bread and milk, and we’re working with our suppliers to get some more grocery items in so people have an extra place to go for those things that might be in short supply elsewhere.“
The cafe is also making extra effort to reach out to their customers on social media to check on their mental well being at this difficult time.
Mr Ingram said something as simple as a call or a post on social media could go a long way to improving a customers outlook.
“We’re all about creating places where people can connect and belong,“ he said.
“Social isolation can have damaging impacts on mental health and social health, so now that we can’t have physical contact and connection we’ve recognised the need to be more proactive in reaching out if someone needs some help.
“So it might just be a post on Facebook to brighten someone’s day, or a call or a text, but we feel that’s really important to help get through what we’re all going through.“
