As we move closer to the tail-end of 2020 (everyone’s annus horribilis), The Yak decided to meet some of the fearless few who have planned or opened new businesses in these tougher-than-tough times. Up now: Shotgun Social.
Joshua Harrison.
Please tell us your name, your business name and what industry you’re in?
We are Shotgun Social Bali and we’re in the restaurant and bar business!
What experiences or services does your brand offer?
At our new Beer Garden concept we offer 16 international and locally brewed craft beers. A large outdoor area with a kids’ playground and a large lawn for lounging and picnic style dining. The venue is an open air concept with an extensive international menu with some signature highlights (Big Caliber Pizza 50cm, pasta, signature fried rice).
We are also pet friendly and offer a dog menu for your four legged family members!
When did you first start planning this business?
We have been planning the new restaurant over the last year. We opened for the public on 31st of July.
While everyone around you was laying-off workers and closing businesses what was it that made you keep going and continue the dream within the unfolding nightmare?
Both of our restaurants are embedded into both the local and expatriate community in Sanur, so for us our first priority is to operate the restaurants as safely as possible for our staff and of course our customers.
We have always prided ourselves on international HACCP standards however with the Covid-19 pandemic we have become far more aware of sanitary protocols to safeguard our staff and guests alike. From checking staff temperatures, receiving products, washing and preparing our ingredients, personal hygiene and protective gear for our staff, all the way through to our front of house staff being trained to provide hand sanitiser for guests and spacing tables to keep social distancing when customers are dining in the restaurants.
We are focused on keeping all workspaces sanitised frequently as well as table tops, floor surfaces and bathrooms. This sanitising protocol takes rigorous discipline through our management team and we check our situation continually to maintain standards. We are following the ‘New Normal’ Protocol and provide handwashing as well as signage to ensure our guests are aware.
How many people do you employ?
We currently have 96 employees.
What are the factors that you appreciate about this C19 business hiatus? And What upcoming challenges do you foresee?
The effect this pandemic is having on the worldwide economy has never been seen in our lifetimes. The biggest challenge the restaurant industry in Bali faces is the lack of tourism which immediately effected almost every business in Bali. I am sure there are many restaurants that will remain closed until tourism starts to return with many unable to continue unless the global situation changes soon. For me the biggest challenge is conquered by the spirit of the Indonesian people.
Our management and staff have truly demonstrated that hospitality is alive, and the Indonesian spirit can survive anything. Our people are our most important asset and will continue to be the reason why our restaurants are so successful.
As a company we are committed to keeping all of our staff employed and we are so overwhelmed by our staff’s understanding and commitment to the restaurants.
I feel honoured to be surrounded by our wonderful, hardworking, kind, compassionate, dedicated and flexible team and working together with each other, I have no doubt that we will survive and continue to grow stronger than ever before over time.
Are you currently running any promotional campaigns and / or amazing offers?
We are continually offering specials on both food and beverage with more promotions on the drawing board. Currently we are offering two for one Kura Kura draft beer, and we have some amazing imported draft beer on special as ‘beer of the month’ promotion.
Do you have a mantra, music or a motto (or YouTube video or similar) that you have used, weekly or daily, as you have completed and opened in these trying times? We would love you to share with us.
“What you hear is an opinion and what you see is a perspective. Be kind to one another, good karma will come back to you.”
Lastly, can you let us know your business opening times and address so we can come visit, and thank you in person for your optimism and passion.
Opens 11am – 10pm
Jl. Pantai Sindhu No.11 Sanur – Bali
Matur suksema and as ever – may The Yak be with you.
