Located in a terrace just off Paddington’s famous Five Ways, Tequila Mockingbird is a Latin American foodie haven, with the most amazing cocktails, based around characters from To Kill a Mockingbird - including the Atticus Finch (a combination of Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Aperol, Cinzano sweet vermouth, aged in a barrel).

The business has rapidly adapted to changes due to coronavirus measures, with overwhelming support for the restaurant’s delicious takeaway & delivery service not only allowing Tequila Mockingbird to stay open during this uncertain time but also re-employ some of the incredible casual staff to keep up with the demand.

teqmocktakeaway_credit_stevenwoodburn_20200326-18.jpg

Owner, Michael Fegent 'dispensing' signature cocktails and food.   Source: Tequila Mockingbird  

Since expanding its offering, the restaurant has sold over 1000 of its famous Patron cocktails a week, and the kitchen team has designed a unique and diverse takeaway menu of amazing Latin American food, as well as ‘Butcher Boxes’, supplying portioned and vacuum packed produce in a choice of seafood, beef, chicken, fruit & vegetable, or a combination.

On top of that, Tequila Mockingbird is giving back to those most vulnerable who are facing the pandemic without a safe shelter and support network by donating food and produce to local homeless communities during this difficult time, and making it easy for their customers to do the same with the option to add a donation at checkout.

WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Michael Fegent, the owner of Tequila Mockingbird, about the evolution of the restaurant following the commencement of social distancing measures.

How quickly were you able to implement the change to take away?

We implemented the change the minute we were told that restrictions were being made within restaurants and bars to practice social distancing, i.e. separation between tables. This was the moment we made the call to get going on the systems behind the scenes to ensure that we were ready to launch the home delivery and take away offering when the time came. 

We also got on the phone and rang our suppliers to see what additional items we could sell or add value to the business. For instance, we managed to secure over 8000 x 200ml / 375ml / 700ml / 1.5L custom Patron bottles. We thought about as many different offerings that we could to roll out over the lock down and we are continuing to add new opportunities now.  

teqmocktakeaway_credit_stevenwoodburn_20200326-17.jpg

Atticus Finch cocktail. Source: Tequila Mockingbird

Are you offering delivery as well as take away?

We offer home delivery, plus takeaway which includes food, beverages (and the cocktail offering mentioned above), and 'Butcher Boxes' to get people through the week without having to go to the supermarket. 

We also deliver 'food donations' to the needy and homeless at the end of service each night, offering homeless people the same items we sell on the menu.

Have you been able to retain your staff? 

Due to how well we have adapted, the majority of our core team are back to work. We are also finishing off the build this week of our second restaurant, so if things continue to work at Tequila Mockingbird, then we will commence back-of-house work at the new restaurant (on George Street) to ensure that we are ready when the CBD opens again.

How has your menu changed, have you added new dishes?

Our menu has changed completely to adapt to the takeaway and home delivery sector. You cannot offer restaurant food as takeaway as it is not cost effective, it takes too much time to prep. Food needs to be picked up or delivered fresh so it needs to be fast. The pricing of items also has to be significantly less, but we factor in less overheads - for example less front-of-house staff working on the floor which assists with the overall pricing. 

teqmocktakeaway_credit_stevenwoodburn_20200326-3.jpg

The hugest change has been the cocktails and to date we have sold over 1000 Patron cocktails each week.

What are the favourite/most popular dishes?

Favourite item is the Tequila Mockingbird cocktail (a cucumber and elderflower margarita with jalapenos and tajin). I also love the 500 gram slow cooked lamb shoulder taco box, sold with tortillas, jalapenos, onions and guajillo salsa. You get to choose either the corn salad or the slow cooked, crispy baked potatoes.

How well have your cocktail bottles been received?

Incredibly well received, not only are they delicious but they are very marketable. We are selling 700ml and 1.5L Patron-based cocktails, and we have sold hundreds.

untitled_19.jpg

The signature Tequila Mockingbird cocktail. Source: Tequila Mockingbird

Which of the cocktails is the most popular? 

The Tequila Mockingbird cocktail and the other citrusy/sweet balanced cocktails are the most popular. At Tequila Mockingbird we are all about flavour and keeping things simple.  We do not waste time with hipster products that sound cool but taste like shit.  

Tequila Mockingbird Cocktail making, demonstrated by Michael Fegent. Source: Tequila Mockingbird

What are your trading hours for Easter?

We trade lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. Right now every day is a Saturday in our eyes so we will trade through Easter. People are hungry and thirsty.

Orders can be made using the contact details below, or in person at 6 Heeley St, Paddington (Fiveways), 2021. Delivery available to Paddington, Darlinghurst, Woollahra, Edgecliff, Bondi Junction, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Double Bay, and Surry Hills.

Similar to this:

How one of Brisbane's iconic restaurants, Moda is operating during the current COVID-19 restrictions

How Byron Bay icon Raes on Wategos is adapting to covid-19 measures