We understand that small businesses are facing an unprecedented time of disruption resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
While sadly many businesses have no option other than to close their doors, here at the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) we are hearing about business owners who have been able to innovate and find a new direction. This series of posts is about sharing ideas from WA small businesses that have found a way of doing business differently.
Sandra Bahbah is the owner of Meast, a mobile food business specialising in Middle Eastern street food. Due to the restrictions on events and gatherings as a result of COVID-19, their usual trade has stopped completely.
Predicting that, as the restrictions rolled out, people would become confined to their homes, Sandra quickly created a 14-recipe downloadable e-book called the Coronavirus Cookbook and offered it for sale on her website.
The recipes are simple to prepare, using staple items that most people have in their pantry or veggie gardens, or can source from their greengrocer. Following the initial publication, Sandra created a vegan version of the cookbook. The e-books have sold more than 150 copies so far, helping Sandra retain some income from the business while she is unable to operate as usual.
In addition, Meast has started doing home delivery of their falafel, frozen halloumi fries and sauces, helping people enjoy their food without having to leave the house.
Sandra says “We have had great feedback from our home delivery service and also from people who have purchased the recipe books — they’ve taken the time to share the dishes they prepared on social media!”
Thanks for sharing your ways of doing business differently Meast!
