Dunedin’s Bracken Restaurant would begin a new order and pick-up service next week, following a noticeable drop in the number of people dining out, owner Jacqueline Burt said.
People could order from a special menu posted on social media, and pick meals up.
Meals would be in aluminium containers, which could go straight into the oven, or fridge or freezer to be stored.
As the public faced the possibility of self-isolation, it was important to look at new ways to "keep afloat" and offer support to others, Mrs Burt said.
Her husband and chef of the restaurant David Burt, would be focusing on making "hearty" and "comforting" food and the menu would change each week, depending on what was available.
Mrs Burt said it was an ever-evolving situation and they would also look at starting delivery if needed.
The Perc Central cafe in Dunedin was another of many food businesses being forced to adapt, as more customers opted for takeaway drinks and food over the past few days.
Owner Sarah Hussey said it had launched a website for online order and delivery.
During a two-hour period each day, the Perc would deliver free to areas close by the city centre, and for a small fee to places further out, including Mosgiel or Green Island.
She said it would help the cafe continue to trade, pay the staff and provide the Dunedin public with access to healthy food during a time, which she believed, it was needed most.
In Oamaru, restaurant Cucina had also created a website for orders, so customers could avoid unnecessary interaction.
Owner and chef Pablo Tacchini said he had lost about 30% of customers compared to this time last year and about half of the bookings for this week and next.
He said they were working on setting up online payments, in a quest to continue giving its staff the same number of hours.
"What we do is elaborate, so we have had to adjust our menu and work hard to maintain the same quality [for takeaway]."
