How Dalby’s cafe’s adjusted to new dine-in rules

Dalby’s cafe owners reveal how they have changed the way they do things to meet new regulations.

MICHEL’S REOPEN: Karen Jerram serving up coffees and sausage rolls at Dalby Shoppingworld

DALBY’S cafe’s had a smooth adjustment to the easing of restrictions.

Venues are now allowed to have up to 10 people dining in at any time but only businesses that think it’s viable to allow dine-in customers have embraced it.

Michel’s Patisserie at Dalby Shoppingworld took advantage of the new rules over the weekend.

Owner Mark Murphy said patronage has been pretty normal compared to before the pandemic.

“Probably the hardest part for me is making sure that the staff are trained,” he said.

His staff need to be informed in how to deal with customers and hygiene given the new circumstances.

He said clearing tables is one of the hardest things.

The tables are spaced 1.6m apart and most only have one seat.

All diners need to give their details to staff and will be kept for 28 days in case of an outbreak.

NEW RULES: Michel’s new seating guidelines

“It’s all that contact tracing stuff,” Mr Murphy said.

“Hopefully in a month’s time everything will be back to the next level of normalcy.

“Dalby’s been free and clear of corona and hopefully it stays that way.”

He said that Michel’s would be able to cater to up to 12 people in the future during the pandemic.

Jami Austin serving up coffees at Marissa’s Espresso

Marissa’s espresso has been running smoothly thanks to their large takeaway market.

Owner Petoni Brady said 85 per cent of her customers make takeaway orders.

“It hasn’t affected us very much at all,” she said.

“It was pretty smooth.”

MARISSA’S REOPEN: Up to 10 people are allowed to dine in at certain venues

Marissa’s reopened their doors to indoor dining last weekend.

All meals were served in takeaway containers and most dine-in customers came for breakfast.

Tables have been spaced apart and hand sanitiser provided for all diners.

“We’re offering a place to sit for their coffees,” Mrs Brady said.

“It’s easier for us to open their dining room up.”

Despite this, the outdoor dining area remains closed.

“We just have to go with the flow.”

Jami Austin

Originally published as