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.