GREAT NEWS!
It was recently reported in the ‘Restaurant & Catering Magazine’ on 18/1/21 that new research has found that Aussies care more about food since COVID-19.
Almost one quarter of Australian’s say COVID-19 has made them more conscious of where their food comes from, according to new research by the National Farmers’ Federation.
2020 has motivated people to think and act local, with more and more consumers looking to support local farmers and producers. And when asked why they valued buying Australian-produced products and food, over 50% said because it supports Australian jobs, farmers and industries.
Great news for the Australian hospitality industry!
HOSPOKEEPER
Small business advocates are urging the federal government to rethink JobKeeper for industries still affected by COVID-19, including hospitality, in the final months before the wage subsidy ends.
Restaurant and Catering Industry Association of Australia CEO Wes Lambert, along with small business and family enterprise ombudsman Kate Carnell, are in discussions with the federal government about how JobKeeper should evolve in order to help the businesses lagging behind in the coronavirus recovery.
Lambert yesterday put forward “HospoKeeper” to Treasurer Josh Frydengberg and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan.
Lambert tells SmartCompany that the scheme would target hospitality businesses affected by future lockdowns that are likely to occur due to local COVID-19 outbreaks, such as what happened in the Northern Beaches.
HospoKeeper would work like JobKeeper, in that it is paid to businesses by the ATO, after businesses have submitted business activity statements (BAS) proving they experienced a 15 to 30%, drop in turnover — depending on the business — over a four week period when restrictions were enforced.
Eligible businesses could then receive $1,000 per full-time employee and $650 for each part-time employee.
“We know that 100% of the time, when restrictions are put in place, they are always placed on restaurants, pubs and clubs,” Lambert says.
Lambert says unlike other industries such as mining, professional services and telecommunications, the three industries that are always heavily hit by restrictions are accommodation and food services, arts and entertainment, and the transport and tourism industry.
“HospoKeeper allows the JobKeeper mechanism that’s in place now to deliver that targeted, bespoke stimulus, exactly where it’s needed,” Lambert says.
This article first appeared on www.smartcompany.com.au on 20th January, 2020.
For the full report please CLICK HERE.
At the end of 2019 ONE68 completed this award winning interior fitout at Crown Melbourne’s Ocean 12 Karaoke Bar, Lounge and Terrace – the largest fitout project out company has ever undertaken. The project comprised of 28 private karaoke rooms, 5 VIP rooms, a central bar and lounge, and a grand outdoor terrace. No matter what the size of the business, the hospitality industry has been effected by COVID-19 and there is no doubt a financial assistance scheme like HospoKeeper would be a welcome relief!
COLLINS QUARTER REDEVELOPMENT
ONE68 have been excited to be part of the redevelopment of the iconic hospitality precinct at 80 Collins St in the Melbourne CBD. Also known as the ‘Collins Quarter’, we have recently fitted-out two amazing new restaurants owned and operated by the Sam Prince Hospitality Group.
The first of these venues is ‘Mejico’…
“As the CBD slowly emerges from its 2020 hibernation, it’s welcomed an especially lively newcomer in Mejico — a vibrant eatery that opened its doors this week, transforming Pink Alley into a permanent fiesta. Sibling to Mejico Sydney, which launched back in 2013, the restaurant’s serving up a diverse menu of regional Mexican fare, alongside what’s pegged to be Melbourne’s largest selection of tequila and mezcal, clocking in at over 260 varieties.
The two-storey space sports an edgy fit-out full of black and neon pink accents, with an all-weather glasshouse-style dining room on the ground floor, and a more intimate tequila bar and cocktail lounge upstairs. It’s decked out with hand-drawn mandalas, striking murals by local artist Ash Keating, and a leafy vertical garden.”
As reviewed by Concrete Playground on 9th December, 2020.
ONE68 recently delivered the interior fitout of the Mejico Tequila Bar and Restaurant. The scope of works for this project included: demolition and defit; structural steel work; electrical work; walls; plastering; painting; glazing; tiling; stone work; flooring; roofing; mural artwork; signage; soft furnishings and joinery.
WHAT IS THE EMPTY ESKY INITIATIVE?
Empty Esky is a national tourism movement of foodies and adventurers on a mission to support small businesses affected by the Australian fires of 2019/2020.
Last Summer’s bushfires isolated many of Australia’s small regional towns. Then, just as they began to rebuild, the pandemic halted travel across the country. But with travel restrictions finally easing, it’s a good time to hit the road and begin exploring our own backyard.
In partnership with Jeep and the Empty Esky initiative – which encourages people to visit bushfire-affected regions – they’re uncovering the best places to eat, drink, stay and surf in regional centres across Australia.
Get onboard and find out more about this great initiative CLICK HERE.
FREE TRAINING
The implications of COVID-19 and the shutdown of international travel is both the cause of, and solution to one of the big problems facing Australia’s hospitality industry.
Venue operators and managers have been hit by staffing shortages as the usual influx of international travellers and backpackers has not happened this year as borders have been closed. However, the closure of borders does mean that Australian students are not having a gap year, and are now eager to work.
A new survey conducted on behalf of hospitality staffing platform Barcats.com.au found that 83.80 per cent of high school students would not be having a gap year this year. The survey also found that a massive 88.73 per cent of students were looking for part-time or full-time time work now that high school had ended, with 68.31 per cent happy to work in the hospitality industry
“The hospitality industry has been battling with nationwide lockdowns, forced restrictions and a significant staff shortage due to the lack of backpackers travelling to Australia this year, and this influx of young talent could be crucial at helping the nation’s venues get back on their feet,” says Jeffrey Williams, CEO and Founder of Barcats, Australia’s leading hospitality platform which connects venues with job seekers.
“We’ve partnered with key training partners and launched a series of free five-day courses where students, and job seekers of all ages, can get fully equipped with every certificate and essential skill required to instantly and confidently get a job in hospitality.
Williams says “the research revealed that 19.72% of students felt a lack of training was the biggest barrier to working in hospitality, and by providing free comprehensive courses we hope to encourage more students to join the industry. Students will save hundreds of dollars, gain job connections and will walk out completely employable with the required RSA and RCG certificates, food safety knowledge, Covid-19 Compliance training and practical training from industry experts such as how to three plate carry.
As reported on www.barsclubs.com.au on 15th December, 2020.
For more information on these free courses on offer, please CLICK HERE.
THE HAPPIEST OF HAPPY HOURS!
Get 50 per cent off food and drink at a number of fun Melbourne bars and venues, every day of January!
Hospitality group Australian Venue Co is getting 2021 off to a spectacular start, with the launch of a month-long happy hour. Every day in January, from 5pm to 6pm, it’s offering 50 per cent off all food and drink orders at its Melbourne venues. There’s no limit on how many times you can take part in happy hour – meaning you could drink and dine on the cheap for 31 days straight.
You could get a $9 Aperol Spritz on the rooftop at The Provincial, deep-fried pieces of a half-chicken for $10 at Fargo and Co or a $6 glass of prosecco at Richmond’s newly refurbed Harlow. ONE68 client Beer Deluxe in Fed Square and Hawthorn, European Bier Cafe, Perseverance, Prince Alfred Hotel, State of Grace, The Exchange Hotel, The Station Hotel and Trinket are also involved in this happiest of happy hours.
The deal isn’t available at The Exchange Beach Club, The Park or Rivers Edge.
As reported in Broadsheet on Monday 18th January, 2021.
We welcome your Hospitality fitout enquiries! With over 20 years experience in delivering premium interior fitout projects Nationwide to the Hospitality and other sectors, our team has the industry knowledge to get the job done right the first time, to spec, within budget and on time. Please contact Andrew Hicks on 03 9518 5168 or andrew.hicks@one68.com.au and learn more about how we can assist you with your next project.
The ONE68 Team