THE food delivery business is alive and well in Penang despite concerns from riders over low delivery allowances, traffic congestion and steep retail prices which had some consumers complaining here.

Recently, regional food delivery and ride sharing services giant Grab invited The Malaysian Insight to interview one of its merchants, Pasta Port.

Pasta Port is a locally incorporated Italian food services provider in the northern region with seven outlets, of which six are in Penang and one in Kedah. 

Banking on the universal taste for Italian cuisine, Pasta Port provides many pasta dishes but designed to local taste buds.

Its director Jihadi Abadi Abdul Razak and senior manager Mohamad Naim Ahmad Azami sat down to discuss the impact that Grab has on their business.

Pasta Port started its business in 2021 during Covid-19 when takeout and delivery was the norm for the food and beverage industry.

And when in-person dining fully resumed by 2022, Pasta Port saw guests starting to come in person to consume their fare.

When food delivery services began raising their rates, there was an initial shortfall, but eventually, it is business as usual.

Today, Grab alone accounts for up to 20% of Pasta Port’s total sales generated through the seven outlets it manages.

Naim said that at some outlets, it is 50-50.

Meaning, half of the sales generated daily is from deliveries and the other is from in-house dining.

“It is a significant number so we are now taking food deliveries as part and parcel of our operations. We also developed special packaging to accommodate the deliveries.”

The card boxes are designed in a way to ensure the meal is kept warm, he said.

According to Naim, the trick is to ensure that their pasta is consistent for all deliveries, even when the weather is rough out there or during traffic congestion.

“We are devoted to ensuring that our packaging and our service to Grab customers are consistent and of high standard. This is one way in ensuring repeat customers.”

Naim said that the outlets have special zones for food delivery riders to rest at while they wait for their food orders, which must be completed within minutes upon receiving the online orders.

Naim added that they have invited riders to attend the company’s charitable Hari Raya Aidilfitri gatherings.

“For us at Pasta Port, food deliveries are here to stay. It is an integral part of our business operations,” said Naim. – July 14, 2024.