The café and convenience industry are one of many that are feeling the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but like many other cafés, Little Clive café in Brisbane is stepping up to the plate with their latest Little Clive Care packages. We spoke with Director Shanon Lancini on what changes they’ve made to help support themselves, and their loyal customers.
Can you provide a brief description of Little Clive Care packages and what it entails?
Little Clive Care packages are full of locally sourced and delivered fruit and vegetables.
We have teamed up with a local wholesaler based out of the Rocklea Markets with the aim of keeping his trucks and staff working.
We wanted to make quality fresh produce available to people who may not have access to the supermarkets or want to avoid them altogether.
Has Little Clive Care packages been in the works for a long amount of time, or has it been launched quite quickly due to the crisis right now?
Around three years ago we wanted to launch a similar service, however we were quite busy with the store and the idea was pushed down on the list of priorities.
As we have noticed recently, our supply chains are struggling with the enormous amount of demand for literally anything at the moment. We thought we could help fill this lack of current supply in our sur
rounding suburbs, and as a result we pretty much organised everything within a couple of days.
Ironically, we started this on the same day our old business name (for the fruit and veg delivery business) expired.
What were some of the strategies that you guys implemented when the coronavirus news first began and at what point did you guys realise that more drastic measures were going to have to be taken?
We were keeping an eye on things prior to the virus being declared a pandemic. However, we had no idea how much it would impact us. We have, as a result, had to let go of our casual employees and diversify our offering. We are now selling dry goods, pre-made meals, takeaway coffee and food, as well the fruit and veg boxes.
We were trading relatively well up until about a week ago. News came out of Italy regarding the impact of the virus, and as a result, our trade dropped to about 40 per cent of what we would normally do on that day. Since then it’s been quite up and down, with a noticeable drop in trade. We sat down and discussed ideas of what we could offer to keep ourselves relevant and compliant with evolving government advice.
How big of a toll has the pandemic had on your business?
I think most industries have been hit very hard by the effects of the virus so far. It’s definitely taken a huge toll on our business.
What are the thoughts and emotions that you and your team are experiencing during this time?
We are all understandably concerned for the general welfare of everyone. We are also quite anxious to see how our business fares in a rapidly evolving landscape. Our customers have been extremely supportive and it’s quite humbling to see how the community rally behind each other in times like this.
What actions are you taking in the future, and what is the advice you wish to give other café owners?
What has happened recently has shown us that things can literally change overnight. We will be doing everything we can to make it through to the other side, whilst staying compliant with any government advice.
I’m not one for words of wisdom, however, I’d probably just say something along the lines of “don’t forget the reasons why you got into this industry”. These are emotionally and financially challenging times for us all and it will be quite difficult to stay upbeat and motivated. However, if we can make it through to the other side things will get better eventually.
