We have recently discussed various possibilities for provision of food and drink services in the café with the village manager. The main options that she has considered are:
Kitchen operation by external commercial provider. Unfortunately, there are few contenders in this space as experience in other retirement villages has been that the potential for running a profitable business is low because of the small customer base. An offer is on the table but is unlikely to be accepted by Aura because the proposed contract would require major modification of the current kitchen and café service area and provision of equipment at Aura’s expense. This would also require this area to partitioned off in a way that would prevent residents from using this space for their other activities. This option has also been discussed with Indooroopilly Golf Club who have declined also because of low estimates of profitability, probably combined with a preference for residents to use their own services at the clubhouse.
Serve yourself coffee machine. This would involve the installation and support by Aura of the sort of machine that is often seen in airport lounges, ie a pod type machine with additional facilities for payment by credit card. Residents would need to be prepared assist in the stocking and simple maintenance of such a machine. The main problem is an estimated cost of about $15,000 which it is hoped Aura would fund. The possibility of a trial of this type of machine is being explored.
Mobile coffee /food service It may be that the increasing volume of business that could result from full occupation of the village would provide attraction for a more regular and comprehensive service than seems possible from the current operator.
Clearly there are no easy solutions for the provision of a service that many residents would like, and which Aura management is keen to support. We have been asked to canvas your views on these options and any others that may come to mind. Please send any opinions or comments via the feedback /contact form page or directly to committee members by any other route.