VDR on the Parade, a delightful Vietnamese food vendor nestled in Norwood, South Australia, has become a beloved spot for quick, healthy lunch options. This little venue started its journey seven years ago in a modest 40-square-meter space, after identifying a gap in the market and deciding to fill it with their unique offerings.
With no Vietnamese rolls available in Norwood, VDR on the Parade stepped in to serve the local businesses and residents in need of quick, tasty lunches. Their menu features classic crowd favourites like Vietnamese rolls, noodle bowls, curries, and spring rolls. Over time, they’ve grown into a cherished community spot, drawing in loyal customers with their traditional options as well as their unique takes on traditional dishes.
Unique offering
After four years of operations, VDR on the Parade realised they had outgrown their existing premises. They saw an opportunity across the road – a larger premises with the added bonus of a car park at the back which helped with accessibility.
This renovation, supported by family and friends, came with its own set of challenges, including significant downtime and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Owner Jun recalls, “Covid gave us a hit, we had just finished the new shop and decked it out with tables and chairs that we couldn't use due to restrictions.”
Despite these hurdles, VDR on the Parade continued to thrive, thanks to their commitment to quality and service. Their unique take on Banh Mi, made without traditional pâté but loaded with fresh and pickled veggies and a special sauce, has built a loyal customer base.
“Our roast pork Banh Mi is one of our best sellers! We provide a modern twist on traditional Banh Mi, serving veggies fresh and pickled, and I use a special sauce that ties it all together.”
Need for better technology
Before partnering with OOLIO, VDR on the Parade faced significant challenges with their previous POS provider. Jun explains, “With my old POS provider, I had to do a lot of research into how the system worked. I was on YouTube watching videos, wasting 10-12 hours just to make basic changes. It was daunting trying to speak to someone to put it in.” The lack of support and long hold times made managing their operations even more frustrating. They knew they needed a solution and looked around to find a partner who would help.
Partnering with OOLIO
The decision to switch to OOLIO was a game-changer for VDR on the Parade. Jun highlights the difference, “On the flip side, OOLIO has good people available most of the time to provide me support. Even with small questions, I know they will get back to me.” OOLIO’s customer support, blended surcharges, and next-day settlement have significantly improved their operations.
“At OOLIO I have someone to call, and it gets sorted out straight away. You just don’t get service that with any other platform.”
“OOLIO next day settlements are so important to us being a small business. Running a small business is hard, but the fact with OOLIO is that they can deduct surcharges and pay the settlements are so important to us.”
Implementation experience
The implementation process with OOLIO was smooth and efficient. Our team took the time to learn the challenges the business had and what was important. From there we developed and implementation plan that would facilitate a smooth transition.
“OOLIO’s team took into account the previous sales data and seamlessly replicated it into their system,” Jun notes. This tailored transition was a stark contrast to their previous POS provider, which had become increasingly expensive. The hands-on support from OOLIO, with quick response times and personalised assistance, made a difference the client really appreciated.
“Phoebe, from OOLIO, has been great to deal with, always getting back to us within 30 minutes and ensuring that any issues are resolved promptly.”
VDR on the Parade’s growth
VDR on the Parade has seen stable growth in sales and an increase in their customer base, with about 80% of their business coming from repeat customers. Looking ahead, they plan to expand by opening a few more stores, expanding their business across South Australia. We look forward to our platform growing with them providing them with everything they need to operate smoothly.
By leveraging the OOLIO platform, VDR on the Parade has overcome initial challenges and positioned itself for future growth and success. The partnership with OOLIO exemplifies how the right technology and support can transform a small business, making operations smoother and more profitable.
