Talk about being resilient and getting innovative with finding practical solutions! Covid-19 is slowly becoming endemic rather than remaining a pandemic for many parts of the world. As opposed to waiting for the pandemic to end, dynamic ideas that can see to the unprecedented current market needs will be critical for the survival of various industries.
The largest convention centre in Borneo - Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) has taken laudable actions to adapt since the coronavirus outbreak despite being one of the hardest-hit event industries. The event venue has executed strict and effective standard operating procedures from the start.
In June 2021, BCCK was chosen as the Mega PPV (Vaccine Dispensing Centre) venue in Kuching to carry out urgent mass vaccination. The management has also stepped up to the task with a well-planned execution and praiseworthy crowd management to ensure safety and efficiency.
Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) as Kuching's Mega PPV (Vaccine Dispensing Centre)
Those who have taken their vaccination at BCCK would have come across the pop-up Food Market set up in the venue's parking lot. It was a great idea to help sustain the venue's restaurant and promote the food they offer.
According to BCCK CEO Erik Van Piggelen, customers began inquiring if the Food Market items would still be available for takeaway after BCCK's time as a PPV ended. It has led the management to make drive-thru available.
"We are always eager to try new ways of bringing our food to our customers in a way that is safe for them, so we will be offering Fan Favourites from our Food Market at this drive through. If the response is good, we look forward to expanding the menu to offer our customers even more variety and options," said Eric.
Customers' cars lining up at the BCCK Drive-Thru and BCCK Chefs preparing food for the Drive-Thru. Image source via Borneo Convention Centre Kuching
Customers can now order and takeaway BCCK's famed Food Market food from the safety and comfort of their vehicle, from 11 am to 7 pm.
BCCK Drive-Thru menu currently includes some of the crowd favourites such as Chicken Pie with Mashed Potatoes for just RM8 and Apam Balik for RM6. Other foods on offer include Tuna Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich, Roasted Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak with Chicken Rendang, and Cottage Pie.
Gourmeal's freshly baked goods and frozen foods are also available at the drive-thru. They offer rye bread, focaccia and almond challah bread, croissants, a variety of danishes, and a variety of homemade frozen halal dim sum, chicken and beef lasagna, and chicken glutinous rice.
BCCK Food Market Drive-Thru Chicken Pie. Image source via Borneo Convention Centre Kuching
Who's hungry now?
BCCK Food Market Drive-Thru Promotion: BCCK Gourmeal Tea Break Promo takes place from 5 pm onwards, with 25% off for Bread & Croissants and 15% off for Danishes.
Erik Van Piggelen: "We're very fortunate that our Centre is large enough to hold these kinds of events. Our Drop Off point is roofed and spacious, allowing our customers to drive through, order, and pick up their food without having to worry about being rained on or sitting under the hot sun if they have to wait for their order. It also allows our staff to be comfortable preparing the fresh food in the open air, with appropriate ventilation and cool temperatures."
How to Get There?
BCCK Food Market Drive-Thru Menu can be found on their Facebook page.
Customers on a tight schedule can also pre-purchase their food at www.bcck.org.my and pick up their orders from the Online Drive Thru pickup spot. Orders must be made an hour in advance, with the Drive-Thru hours being from 11 am to 7 pm. BCCK Drive-Thru Food Market accepts cash, credit card, Boost, and SarawakPay as well.
As of writing, Malaysia is phasing into the gradual reopening of its economy with most of the population vaccinated; Sarawak has one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation. Although the dine-in ban has been lifted recently, many have grown accustomed to the practice of takeaways. Drive-throughs are certainly a way to go as we move from SOPs to a sustainable change in lifestyle while maintaining public health mitigation measures.
Just because customers are not dining inside, there is still a way to "drive in" traffic. (Pun intended) Now is the time to step outside of the box to navigate the challenging situation and, even more so, a time to support local businesses however we can!
