A Norfolk restaurant owner reckons the"novelty has worn off" getting a roast dinner ready meal in lockdown - and is instead focusing on cooking up free meals for those in need.
Craig Grant, who runs the Netherton Steakhouse in Long Stratton, saw demand for his roast takeaways dwindle in December and January. He said sales had dropped from more than 80 deliveries to just 20 and as a result he's decided to stop the service.
Instead Mr Grant, who has most of his team on furlough, is focusing on helping people in need, creating 480 hot meals this week with the aim of 1,600 over the whole of January. These are distributed to various charities and available for local families.
Mr Grant also hopes to introduce a new steak at home service in March as well as pledging to continue doing his popular Friday night 'rib night' along with a theme night every three weeks and a Valentine's special chocolate dipped strawberry order.
He said: "Unfortunately due to lack of demand in December and January for our Sunday roasts we will be putting them on hold for the foreseeable future. Being in a rural area we don't feel there is the demand from the local people for it and not the footfall in the area to make it up or 'passing trade.'
"We feel the novelty of a takeaway roast has worn off slightly - people were supporting it six months ago. As this pandemic has gone on, people's habits and priorities are changing, understandably.
"Therefore we will be spending more time focusing on those who need help over the coming months. I feel my time would be better spent helping those who need it more, and supplying families with food produce at a time when it is greatly needed."
Mr Grant also opens his own shop with essentials on Fridays for those in need.
Netherton Steakhouse opened in 2016 and has since won many food awards. At Christmas Mr Grant launched a campaign to donate presents for families in need.
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