Hospitality heroes all over the South Island this week have been visited by a trio of enthusiastic Farrah’s ambassadors dropping in with their ‘We Love You For Loving Local’ campervan, goodies and a whole lot of social media support.
The company’s trio, Brooke Lillyston, Michelle Mourits and Sophie Fitzgerald, all self-confessed foodies from Farrah’s marketing arm, say there’s been an amazing response in every community so far.
It’s all about reconnecting Kiwis with their past favourite traditions and happy memories of dining out at local eateries.
The COVID-19 crisis has had a devastating impact on the hospitality industry, which was growing rapidly and employing 170,000 people around the country, says Farrah’s co-owner, Jovan Čanak. “It’s pretty tough to see what’s happening out there to these remarkable hard-working people and their businesses,” he says. With predictions of major job losses and some businesses concerned they’ll have to close their doors if consumers don’t get back to their local eateries, the Farrah’s team has taken to the road to bolster business and morale.
The intention is to generate awareness and encourage people to support their local food service outlets.
The North Island covered off earlier in the month, it was time to head south and the campervan trio is expected in Queenstown on Friday where some major giveaways are planned on the Queenstown Bay Marine Parade waterfront. Fifty $15 Yonder vouchers will be given away at 10.30am (July 24) along with heaps of other gifts, including umbrellas, Farrah’s wraps and ‘keep cups’, all heavily promoted on social media.
Queenstown follows a quick tour of the south via Dunedin where the team tucked into amazing chicken and beef brisket tacos at Starfish Café and a massive southern-style cheese roll at The Good Oil. Citizens food truck turned out a great selection of loaded fries and bao buns from its Asian fusion menu before the trio headed for Invercargill on its southern quest to find the “best cheese roll”.
At Arthur St Kitchen in Timaru Rob and Eva and their team know every single customer by name and at U Bake Bakery there are hot cross buns year around as well as a massive pie selection, with a pie chart to choose from on the wall, says Brooke.
Oamaru’s Short Black Café, with new owners who only took over in December, is the place to meet for a hearty Saturday morning breakfast before the kids play sport with chicken and pesto wraps stack taking pride of place there.
The campervan also stopped off at Milligan’s to draw the crowds along to its big café showcasing the company’s delicious cheeses and dairy products.
Lee’s Catering was also on the menu in Invercargill on Thursday (July 23) before the trio took its pick from the many eateries in Queenstown also needing a boost and support.
Sophie says there are plenty of operators out there who are needing that boost and support right now to come back stronger than ever. Farrah’s is grateful for the feedback from its food service distributors in the South Island who recommended operators that may be grateful for a bit of a boost. Where possible, the trio is also stopping by to touch base with its distributors.
Follow Farrah’s road trip on #lovinglocalNZ to find profiles of the many amazing businesses that have been creating so much joy within their communities.
Head to @farrahsnz on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to join the journey of spreading the love to local!
