M AY 2 8 , 2 0 2 0
C I T Y H U B SY D N E Y. C O M . AU
FREE
@CityHubSydney
PYMONT BUSINESSES HAVE REINVENTED THEMSELVES TO STAY OPEN DURING THIS HISTORIC TIME
BY MADISON BEHRINGER
L
ocated in the park on Pirrama Road in Pyrmont, local café Jack Bodice has, like many other small businesses in the area, had to adapt during the COVID-19 restrictions. City Hub spoke with owner operator John Di Giorgio about the changes he’s made to his business model and how Jack Bodice has flourished as a result. “I changed the way I did things quite quickly down at Pyrmont in particular. I had success with what I changed it to because I’m fortunate enough to have a major walking path through that park there. The way I engaged
JACK BODICE things differently allowed me to sustain business,” said Di Giorgio. When restrictions began, Di Giorgio completely changed his business model to accumulate more exposure for the café while providing the community with a perfect place to stop while walking or exercising in the park. Di Giorgio said, “I took the coffee machine outdoors and I set up an outdoor barbecue. I took to an outdoor food market type of set-up. I had the
mentality of serving food like you would receive at a food truck where you order and don’t have to wait long for your meal.” John went on to say, “we had to step out and be a little bit more prevalent in the Pyrmont community and become more engaging to sustain business. A number of things worked well with the changes we made.” Looking into the future, Di Giorgio says he will revert Jack Bodice back to its
PAGE 1-2
original style of operation quite slowly, pending feedback from customers. “Now that restrictions are easing I’m actually reluctant to change Jack Bodice back to a classic café offering as we have done quite well since moving things out the front and being more visible.” In addition to Jack Bodice, Di Giorgio has also created a home delivery service offering groceries, sweets and essentials right to your door. Brought By Jack is a contactless delivery service and offers fruit & veg, meat and grocery value packs.