METER MAIDS TO FEED HUNGRY BEACHGOERS

GOLD Coast meter maids are expanding their offering after partnering with mobile ordering technology company AirService to launch Australia's first beachside food ordering and delivery service.

Beachgoers will be able to order and pay for food via the new Maid to Order app, powered by the AirService platform.

Customers will then have their order delivered directly to their spot on the beach by the bikini-clad meter maids.

It will initially be available on the main Surfers Paradise beach with the aim of rolling out to other beaches within the area over time.

"Imagine you're a family on the beach with children, or in particular a single parent," says AirService co-founder and CEO Dominic Bressan.

"Now if you want to order lunch, or even just some ice-creams and drinks, you don't need to drag the kids off the beach, carrying all your gear.  You just place your order, and the meter maids will deliver it straight to you."

Bressan adds that in addition to helping local businesses thrive, the app provides a different direction and purpose for the meter maids, giving them a new way to relate to and serve the local community.

Roberta Aitchison, owner and manager of the meter maids, says in trying to keep up with changing times and social attitudes, the meter maids decided to branch out and do something different.

"We are trying to keep up with the times and as our business is to support our community first and foremost, what better way to do this than help local restaurants keep their heads above water," she says.

Theo Kostoglou, who has jumped on board with his Greek Street Grill in Surfers Paradise, says the Gold Coast is 'behind the times' and that the app could increase customers by 15 per cent.

"Surfers Paradise is a tourist destination for the whole of Australia, so it should be in line with the rest of the world where food is served and delivered to the beach," he says.

"It's better that the meter maids are taking food to the beach than forcing patrons to cross the road, which is more dangerous. It also means that tourists get to enjoy the beach longer."