With tables made from the wood of old abras and benches covered in non-chemically dyed camel leather, it is only natural that Baker & Spice would have an issue with single-use plastic bottles.
It has been five years since the popular Dubai chain of eateries began serving customers filtered water for free instead of bottled.
“Baker & Spice’s brand has always been very deeply connected to sustainability,” says Andre Gerschel, general manager.
While serving free tap water at restaurants and cafes is standard practice in many other parts of the world, it has not yet caught on the plastic-loving UAE. Increasingly, however, forward-thinking management at Dubai outlets, such as Baker & Spice, their new eatery Kizmet at Dubai Opera, Tom & Serg in Al Quoz, The Daily at Rove Healthcare City and Myocum in Dar Al Wasl Mall, are skipping the “still or sparkling” meal opener – and the standard-issue plastic bottle – and offering their customers free water instead.
Doing so reduces the impact of discarded plastic on the environment and takes into consideration the health of customers, diverting them from disruptive chemicals in plastic bottles that can leach into the water inside. It means restaurants can also skip the logistics and expense of ordering and storing all those bottles.
From a business perspective, it is understandable that owners and operators would fear a loss of revenue in water sales. But as those who have made the switch have found, it actually makes fiscal sense.
“The interesting thing is it actually ends up working in your favour,” says Mr Gerschel. “What ends up happening is that people spend more money on juice or coffee or they have an extra item. When they’re price-sensitive, a perceived discount encourages customer spending.”
Comments