Chapel St hospitality hub forms one giant drive-thru

Restaurants and cafes on Melbourne’s Chapel Street have banded together to turn the iconic hospitality hub into one long drive-thru.

Chapel Street Precinct will launch a new campaign promoting the drive-thru concept.

“This week we will introduce the next phase of our coronavirus Lemonade Out Of Lemons campaign, CHAP-DRIVE-THRU,” Chapel Street Precinct Association general manager Chrissie Maus said.

“We are hoping all Melburnians call and collect, which will be the experiences featured in this tongue in cheek video series. By ordering directly – more money will flow through to the restaurants and local employees, rather than being gobbled up by foreign owned delivery apps like UberEats and Deliveroo.

“The campaign highlights how our businesses are getting savvy with their takeaway offerings while also showing the creative ways to collect your food! I’m quite excited by the idea of Melburnians embracing In Car Dining.”

CSPA chairperson Justin O’Donnell called on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to follow New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s commitment to support local business.

“We are now urging our own Prime Minister to throw his considerable clout behind the campaign,” she said.

“We’ve seen how powerful one offhand comment from Scott Morrison saw a massive surge in jigsaw puzzle sales – imagine if he did the same for our struggling restaurants by suggesting everyone pick up the phone and order directly! It would increase profits by 35 per cent for some restaurants!

“Our local businesses will be so appreciative of your support and will ensure you can do this whilst staying safe and maintaining social distancing. In most cases, you can park out the front and the restaurant will be happy to bring your order to your car or better yet if you live close by why not go for a short walk and collect, that way you get some fresh air and fresh hot food as well, win-win.”

Sheridan Randall, 5^th May 2020