By Jami Ledesma
For many businesses, the struggle is real. It has been well over four months since Covid-19 shut down economies around the world. While the country saw the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) downgraded to general community quarantine (GCQ) in June, many companies in various industries remain closed or are taking baby steps getting back on their feet.
With unemployment due to retrenchment on the rise and people being encouraged to stay at home, the hospitality and tourism sectors are among the hardest hit by the global pandemic.
The effect it has had on airlines and hotels is truly unprecedented, with fleets of planes grounded on airport tarmacs throughout the country and typically welcoming hotel doors eerily closed until further notice.
In the meantime, Winford Manila Resort & Casino (WMRC) in Sta. Cruz, Manila, has been cooking up creative ways to do business while awaiting the green light from health authorities to reopen.
In June, WMRC held a Win for Dad social media competition in celebration of Father’s Day wherein its Facebook and Instagram followers were invited to post their favorite photos with their fathers. The top three winning entries won prizes, ranging from a free room to food & beverage vouchers—valid for use upon the hotel’s reopening.
On July 27, WMRC will launch its next concept called Winford on Wheels. Essentially a food delivery service, its primary target market is corporate groups or employees of at least 20 people or more, who are looking for variations on their usual canteen meals or packed lunches. At only PHP180 nett per order, the value proposition on offer is quite simply summed up as, “luxury hotel comfort food at an affordable price”.
“The idea for Winford on Wheels was first inspired by the dozens of inquiries we have received from our patrons asking if we offer a food delivery service,” explained Jeff Evora, president & chief operating officer, WMRC.
“Apparently, they have been longing for some of the dishes we cook up at Winford and so in a way, this is actually their brainchild. From there, the concept evolved further and we felt a need to also serve other markets, such as a variety of tasty dishes for different corporate offices and various employees. Based on these insights, we proceeded to craft a menu that would appeal to all segments,” concluded Evora.
Included in the Winford on Wheels delivery menu are Filipino favorites such as Crispy Pork Binagoongan with Mangga, Lechon Kawali with Ensaladang Mangga, Chicken Adobo Confit with Hard-boiled egg, and Escabeche bangus belly. Popular international dishes like Beef Stroganoff, Garlic Pepper with Mushroom Gravy, Pineapple Pork Humba, Chicken Schnitzel with Coleslaw, Fish Fillet with Tartar Sauce, and Roast Pork Pepper Mushroom Sauce complete the lineup of mouthwatering cuisine delivered from WMRC’s kitchen straight to your front door.
To order, interested parties may call the WMRC hotline at (02) 8528 3600, or send a text message to 0917 878 8670 or 0917 872 8583. Delivery is available within Metro Manila provided orders are placed two days before the desired delivery date.