Cape Town’s tourism and eateries defy the odds during the pandemic

It’s safe to say that Cape Town is a foodie paradise with everything to offer, from street food to corner cafes, burger joints to tapas, traditional cooking to fine dining. The city’s growing restaurant industry, packed with mind-blowing options that cater to every taste and vibe, is a vital part of which is an essential contributor to the economy. Despite the current hardships, the industry continues to push and get back into full swing as quickly as possible.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented crisis in the tourism economy, with an immediate and immense shock to the sector. The impact of the crisis is being felt throughout the entire tourism ecosystem and reopening and rebuilding destinations will require a collaborative approach.

On 29 June 2020, sit-down customers were permitted in restaurants. While it feels like things are starting to return to normal as more lockdown restrictions are eased, allowing for more freedom of movement, citizens are reminded to be cautious and responsible. All eateries must abide by strict hygiene and social distancing rules to ensure the safety of its customers, especially as more services open to the public.Restaurants are gearing up to get back to business under strict COVID-19 guidelines, as eateries are taking a solution-driven and innovative approach to getting the industry back up and running again. With international travel still not allowed, the industry will have to count on the local market for a while. Now more than ever, locals should support the sector to help businesses bounce back and keep their doors open.

How Cape Town Restaurants and Food Industry are Getting Creative During Lockdown

In Hout Bay the Tintswalo Atlantic boutique lodge took a proactive approach by opening a restaurant on its premises on 29 July. According to CEO, Lisa Goosen, it has been challenging but the new restaurant gave them a boost when accommodation for leisure was not allowed. She commented, “We just couldn’t afford to lose any more of our staff or retrench so starting the restaurant gave us something to do to create some kind of income.”

Even the local swimwear and summer-loving brand, Granadilla has switched from selling swimwear and swimming accessories to selling fruit and vegetables, this not only allowed the clothing retailer to survive the ongoing pandemic but in return support other small businesses. Co-owner, Joshua Meltz could never have imagined he would be selling fresh fruit and vegetables, stating, “We realised that our assets could be pooled together to help other small businesses and the idea of door-to-door delivered fresh boxes was born.”

Scarpetta, an Italian restaurant in Woodstock, also would not allow the lockdown to squeeze them out of business as they and a few other eateries have started selling some frozen versions of their meals for customers to take home to heat and eat.

The customer’s dining experience has become defined by glass barriers, floor markings and various other methods used to help maintain social distancing. Some restaurants have put a creative spin on their solutions. Clarke’s in Bree Street has set up plexiglass partitions, while other eateries are offering a pick-up-and-go experience only.

Cape Town’s tourism sector and restaurant industry have put measures in place to protect employees, suppliers, tourists and others involved in the sector. The announcement by President Ramaphosa to move to level two of the COVID-19 risk-adjusted strategy from 18 August 2020 marked a significant leap and milestone for the tourism sector. The move will not only reignite business activities in the industry but also save jobs and many livelihoods.

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