SUNRAYSIA cafes and restaurants are finding ways to adapt while unable to provide their customers with a dining service.
And while there was some good news yesterday with the State Government announcing cafes will be allowed to reopen to customers, the fact that the limit will be just 20 at any one time means that Sunraysia businesses will need to be adaptable for some time yet.
No one knows this better than Nash Lane owner Jack Beasy.
The popular Mildura cafe has been able to keep its doors open by providing its customers with takeaway options while indoor and outdoor dining remains off the table.
Mr Beasy admitted that he and his staff missed the hustle and bustle of serving sit-down customers.
“It’s hard to keep the passion alive but we’re doing so nonetheless,” he said.
But Mr Beasy is not bitter towards the Victorian Government.
“At the moment it’s fair, I’m not disgruntled by it,” he said.
“I think it’s wise not to open it up too far.”
Mr Beasy said Australian Government support, like the JobKeeper package, had helped Nash Lane stay in business and he was amazed by how supportive the community had been.
“The community support has been epic,” he said.
“A lot of people have gone out of their way to support us.”
Chaffey’s Restaurant in Deakin Avenue has also adapted to the restrictions by introducing the Chaffey’s at Home menu.
“If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you,” Best Western Chaffey Motor Inn general manager Ben Layton said.
“This has ensured we can keep all our chefs working during this time. It’s been a different way of working for the kitchen, especially with plating and presentation, but they have taken it in their stride.”
Mr Layton said the restaurant also supported the Victorian Government’s decision to ease restrictions gradually.
“We are certainly keen to see everyone get back to normal but we understand taking the extra precautions to ensure a second wave doesn’t come along and put us all back at square one,” he said.
Many Sunraysia restaurants and cafes are offering takeaway and delivery services.
A list of these cafes and restaurants can be found on the Mildura Information and Booking Centre Facebook page.
