Rising Sun kitchen crew takes ramen on the road

• Catering companies join restaurants in providing home delivery

"We do look a little like we're going to rob you," says Rising Sun Workshop owner-chef Nick Smith of his assemble biker team.

Not only does Smith turn out ramen worthy of a chef's hat in the Good Food Guide, as the name of his Newtown restaurant implies, there's a motorcycle workshop attached.

And Smith is unleashing the full force of his "gang" on the streets of Sydney.

Rather than giving delivery services a big cut, he's hoping to keep staff working instead by putting them on the road.

"The goal of the scheme is to re-employ the casual kitchenhands, bar and floor staff as delivery riders at the same hourly rates they were used to," says Smith. "Hopefully this turns out to be viable."

"A lot of them are motorcycle-licensed, so they'll be able to switch to delivery. It [their motorcycle gear] is a little like a built-in Hazmat suit, and they'll keep their visors down," he explains.

Their precious cargo will include a frozen organic ramen broth and other menu items.

"We'll do the ultimate two-minute noodle experience," Smith adds. "I'm opposed to takeaway. I'm in the business of creating something cultural and communal, but we need to survive this. I'm not doing it as a money-making venture; it's a forced hand by the death by a thousand cuts we're facing."

If it works for Rising Sun, Smith would like to offer the service to other restaurants in the suburb.