Many Mandurah cafes were given a glimpse of hope last Sunday when the federal government announced the hospitality industry in WA could stay open as take-away only venues.
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While many businesses have shut their doors, some have remained open, including Nourishing The Soul cafe in Dudley Park.
Once a bustling cafe on the waterfront of Mariners Cove, the cafe has now pivoted drastically to remain open through this challenging time.
Nourishing The Soul co-owner Paige said they are lucky to have an amazing community supporting the cafe.
"If it wasn't for our wonderful customers we probably wouldn't have survived this, but all the residents here have rallied together to support us in every way they can," she said.
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Changing the business was a big shift for all the customers and staff as on Monday afternoon all the tables and chairs were packed up and by Wednesday, Paige had completely redesigned her cafe.
A general store was set up with basic provisions such as milk, bread and eggs, so the local residents, many elderly and most at risk to COVID-19, don't have to visit the shopping mall as often.
Paige said this had been well received by the local community with residents visiting every few days to pick up the basics.
The menu was changed from dine-in options to takeaway meals that could be enjoyed in the nearby park, wetlands or at home.
"It's been amazing to see so many people come out and get some much needed sunshine and exercise, whilst picking up their morning coffee and cake from us," Paige said.
Nourishing The Soul is taking many COVID-19 precautions including clear markings spaced out at 1.5m intervals to help customers keep the correct spacing whilst ordering.
"We had to completely change our ordering system so that customers could pay with tap'n'go instead of cash," Paige said.
The cafe also launched 'click and collect' ordering, where customers can order online or over the phone as well as curbside pickup.
Nourishing the Soul also had to change its rewards program, where customers earn points based on every dollar they spend, in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"We were using punch cards but that was too much of a risk with this virus so we've changed to a digital system instead and it's been hugely successful," she said.
"It's about finding creative solutions to difficult problems and thinking outside the box.
"Staying open isn't about us surviving as a business, but we do it because there's a lot of vulnerable people in our community and we have to support them through this difficult time.
"We have to all come together."
