Historic Eungella Chalet embraces new way of doing business
Much has changed since the establishment opened its doors in the 1930s, but the same old-fashioned customer service remains.
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One of the region's oldest establishments has come a long way since its origins as a respiratory clinic - but some things - like old-fashioned customer service - never change.
Built in 1934, the Eungella Chalet building served as a respiratory hospital in its former life.
Two local doctors ran the hospital, but it closed within the first 18 months of operation.
When that didn't work out, the original land owner began running it as a hotel, laying the foundation of what the chalet is known for today.
Epic views of the Pioneer Valley, great atmosphere and delicious food are just some things that spring to mind.
Tess Ford has spent the past 11 years managing Eungella Chalet, breathing new life into the historic establishment.
She has built an impressive social media presence for the business, amassing more than 5600 followers on Facebook.
"Social media has been a great thing to get the message out there about what is happening at the chalet and that we are actually here," Ms Ford said.
"I try to post something on Facebook every day.
"One of my big things is always using photos that are relevant to the day or showing what is happening right now."
But even though the business has entered the modern era, it still embraces its colourful past.
The chalet boasts a history room full of items, proudly hangs old newspaper clippings on its walls and still has the original guest register book on display.
Ms Ford said guests often returned to the chalet to relive important life events decades after their original visit.
"All old hotels have a history and you should talk about it and put it out there so that the younger generation can appreciate it," she said.
Ms Ford has a long history with the area herself.
She spent her youth in the region before moving to Brisbane, where she worked in hospitality for major events, such as the Big Day Out festival.
"I just wanted to come home," Ms Ford said.
"I've had hospitality in my veins my whole life.
"I have a love for high energy environments."
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The Eungella Chalet has recently relaunched live music during Sunday lunches, weather permitting.
This story was thanks to the My Town series - a Daily Mercury and Mackay Regional Council initiative.
Next week My Town will head to Walkerston to the Western Suburbs Leagues Club between 11am and 1pm.
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