If you’ve never had the pleasure of eating at Central Social Hall in Edmonton, it should definitely be on your must-try list. Priding themselves on fresh-made ingredients and craft cocktails, they provide an outstanding restaurant and bar experience. And they just so happen to be a proudly exclusive Skip Partner as well. We chatted with co-founder Jesse Kupina and his Skip Account Manager, Shagun Sareen, to learn how Skip helped his business step things up.
How did Skip help you get into the delivery game?
Like a lot of restaurateurs, I was originally against third-party apps because I never designed the food, plating, or experience for delivery. Everything was built around the dining experience in this beautiful restaurant. The pandemic did wonders for third-party delivery so when we were closed, we looked at menu designs from a takeout, packaging, and cost analysis perspective. We really saw the value of being with Skip over time and how they could accent our business in a positive way, both through selling food and with some of the unique marketing initiatives they have to help spread the word.
What motivated you to choose Skip?
Skip helped us reach new customers that hadn’t tried Central before by allowing our guests to try our famous food even if they couldn’t get to Central.
Have you run any Skip promos that have helped your business thrive?
I’ve run Free Delivery and Free Item Promos to incentivize people to spend a bit more. We also participated with Skip and the Edmonton Oilers in a local restaurant feature. We’re now about to embark on a BOGO promotion and we really like that it happens at certain times in the year, so we don’t have to deeply discount our food (like on other apps).
How has your communication been with Skip?
Having one point person really helps. I recently received a full analytics breakdown (basket size, order volume, where people are ordering from, etc.) with some things to look at from my Account Manager. It’s great to be able to talk to a real person and get some results and advice on what’s working and what people are ordering. And it’s only gotten better over time.
Have you been involved in any Skip initiatives that have further supported your business?
I was happy to be a part of the Restaurant Advisory Committee to be able to hear from businesses around the country and how they navigate operations. It was really interesting to hear all of those varying perspectives.
Has Skip been involved in any of your community efforts?
We just did our 8th fundraiser for our youth charity called Abbottsfield Youth Project. It was created to help support kids in the community we grew up in with after-school care and support, learning life skills, and sports. I was blown away by the level of commitment and support that Skip came to the table with as a sponsor for this charity event. They were a big provider and created the fundraising event for us. Not only that, but when we reached out, they replied right away and were happy to help.
How do you feel about your Skip partnership overall?
I will say that embracing the delivery game with Skip has been a great value add.
Being an Exclusive Partner with Skip certainly has its privileges. Next time you’re in the Edmonton area, give Central Social Hall a try at one of their now three tasty locations (the new one opened April 12!) and see what all the hype is about.
