RESTAURANTS and cafes across Sunraysia are preparing for a second lockdown on Thursday.
Under the restrictions, restaurants and cafes will be open only for takeaway and delivery.
For Ricky Wilson, the lockdown will be a baptism of fire in an industry that has been hit hard by the coronavirus.
Mr Wilson opened his cafe, Cafe 126, in Mildura on July 20.
He said the business had been faring better than expected since opening, given the pandemic.
Mr Wilson said although he understood why the lockdown was necessary in Victoria’s fight against the virus, Sunday’s announcement was still a shock.
“When they made the announcement, I was a bit scared for a while,” he said.
“But I just thought about how we could adapt and do takeaway and delivery and keep pushing on.”
With takeaway already a popular option at the cafe and delivery now available, Mr Wilson said he was determined to keep his business open.
“I’m also going to be offer meal prep, so healthy frozen and fresh meals for people who can’t get to the gym during the lockdown,” he said.
“If worst comes to worst, I’ll do everything myself just to get through the next six weeks.
“I would hate to shut the doors before 12 months went past.”
Mildura Food Group director Ryan Casey is preparing for a frustrating deja vu.
Mr Casey manages Stefano’s Cafe, The Spanish Grill and The Bistro, the latter two again closing their doors.
He said while Stefano’s Cafe would still be open for takeaway, the next six weeks would be tough.
“I have a feeling it’s going to be harder this time,” he said.
“We’ve got the added problem of the border being closed, which has already impacted our business hugely.
“I guess the good thing is we know what to do this time.”
Mr Casey said it would be heartbreaking to cut down staff hours again, but understood why the lockdown was implemented.
He said as well as offering takeaway food and beverages, the cafe’s deli would continue to operate with a larger range of products and takeaway dinners also being considered.
“Hopefully if we get through six weeks with no cases we can reopen with less restrictions,” he said.
“But I just don’t think that will be the case.”
