Like many businesses affected by COVID-19 restrictions, Windsor-based Pig Out Catering's operations went from boom to bust virtually overnight.
According to co-owner Josh Domars, within three days, the business, which as the name implies, provides food for events, had lost 100 per cent of its custom.
As well the obvious revenue implications, it also greatly affected staff.
Rather than remain idle during the lockdown, Josh and his team decided to take a brave step forward and expand their operations.
In recent weeks, they have transformed the former Big Red Hen site in Windsor Street, Richmond, into what has become Pig Out Takeaway.
"We've always said that we wanted a takeaway shopfront to help promote the catering side of the business," Josh said. "This came up and we had no work on so it looked like a good opportunity to get into it.
"This is chance to get some of the staff back in work and some of the expenses back in order."
Since taking over the premises, Josh and his team have treated it to a cosmetic facelift. The new signage only just being put in place today [Thursday, July 2].
"The idea was to offer a chance for people to taste the food we provide," he said.
"Our focus is on roasts ... we have everything from the roast pork rolls, which our stock standard signature, through to our more upmarket items like the pulled pork and briskets on ciabatta rolls.
"The salads are the same as the one's we prepare for catering, freshly made, and we make our own dressings.
"It is a takeaway shop essentially, but we're trying to be a little more upmarket."
As well as the roasts, the takeaway's menu board offers a range of other lunch and dinner feeds, including burgers, loaded smashed spuds and chicken.
Josh said that there was a definite allure to the traditional roast.
"It definitely reminds you of Sunday with the family," he said. "I think it is a great option to have on a roll for lunch as well as a great option for dinner.
"People who are time poor can pick it up on their way home. And it's not an unhealthy meal.
"What makes a good roast dinner ... the rolls can't be soggy, the meat has to be nice and tender, and a good gravy is essential."
For more information on Pig Out Catering's home and function services visit pigoutcatering.com.au
Matt Lawrence
My passion is providing news that matters to the community of which I serve. I have been doing so now for more than 25 years and my dedication remains as fresh as it was when starting out in the industry.
My passion is providing news that matters to the community of which I serve. I have been doing so now for more than 25 years and my dedication remains as fresh as it was when starting out in the industry.
