Customers support Sam's Riverside
Sam Harrison’s glamorous riverside brasserie – located within the newly redeveloped Riverside Studios arts centre on the banks of the Thames by Hammersmith Bridge, had been open for just 4 months before the government-imposed lockdown forced it to close.
However, not all is lost. Shortly after its closure, Sam’s Riverside launched an innovative gift voucher scheme; Sam’s Pledge, offering vouchers which can be used once the restaurant re-opens and redeemed against future meals or drinks.
Purchasers are offered a 10% discount ‘bonus’ alongside other perks and incentives such as a bottle of Provencal rosé for anyone who pledges over £200. To date, the scheme has raised a whopping £46,329 from 293 individual pledgers.
“I didn’t know what to expect. I said to my business partner that it would be incredible if we got anywhere close to £10,000, so to be at nearly £47,000 is just amazing. We’re very touched as the restaurant is only just over 4 months old.” explains Sam.
“For me one of the greatest joys of restaurants is that guests buy in to them and like to get behind them. They need us and we need them”
Supporting local restaurants
The pledge scheme was set up for the proudly local, independent restaurant to meet its financial commitments throughout the lockdown, as well as paying its staff until government help becomes available.
“It was very frustrating to have to close having just go the restaurant off the ground, but I must acknowledge that this situation is easier to manage for a restaurant that has only just opened because we’re still in our rent-free period,” Sam explains.
“And the campaign has helped us pay the team in full for March and will also help us with the funds needed to re-open… whenever that might be.”
Several other restaurants are now also selling vouchers to help tide them over and boost cashflow during the pandemic, many of which like Sam’s are also offering special treats and perks - some of which are lifelong - creating a win-win situation for both restaurant and customer.
In the current climate, we all need something to look forward to, and a slap-up sups at Sam’s is just the ticket.
If you’d like to purchase Sam’s Pledge visit: gofundme.com
