An investigation into how switching to food and beverage takeaway and delivery strategies provided small restaurants in Edinburgh with the opportunity to sustain business and survive during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions
Abstract
This research investigates the impact of Covid-19 in catering businesses and how food
takeaway and delivery strategy support small restaurant businesses to survive during the
Covid-19 pandemic in Edinburgh. Quantitative research with sufficient open question options
has given additional in-depth descriptive answers to answer the question of the research. In
this research total of 45 valid participants has participated to respond to the online
questionnaires whereas 22 were either manager or owner of small restaurants in Edinburgh
and 23 respondents were food consumers. The analysis shows a strong co-relation between
consumers, restaurants and delivery partners i.e., Deliveroo, JustEat, UberEats and local
brands during the operation of the business. As a result of consumers preference on shifting
to purchase outdoor service, the willingness of businesses to serve food and beverages to the
society during pandemic and delivery partners working with the food business and consumers
equally to make that service process successful proves that the takeaway and delivery
strategy successful in making business survive during the pandemic. This research concludes
that takeaway and delivery have immense support in leading to survival and it is still predicted
that it will hold the biggest share amongst other popular food and beverage services strategies
such as sit-in business; make-at-home-meal-kit, carry out, outdoor services and so on.