Covid-19 business closures, reduced hours: Sunshine Coast, Noosa guide

An experienced Noosa celebrity chef has described a staffing crisis as the toughest challenge he’s faced in hospitality. See our list of businesses that have closed or reduced hours

Celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita has closed his new Noosa Springs restaurant, Alba, until Friday, January 14 as businesses across the Sunshine Coast are hit by Covid-related staff shortages

“We tried our very best to keep going, however we have made the heartbreaking decision to temporarily close, at great cost to our new business, for the safety of our guests and staff,” Mr Kuruvita said.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused to anyone who had a booking.”

“Each day brings new and unexpected challenges.

“This is the toughest I’ve seen in hospitality in my whole career.

“If you’re lucky enough to still be out dining, shopping and holidaying at the moment – Be nice to everyone who is serving you, they are up against it.”

Meanwhile prominent Sunshine Coast restauranter Tony Kelly has reduced trading days at Riceboi, Market Bistro and Giddy Geisha.

Peter Kuruvita recently opened Alba at Noosa Springs. Picture Lachie Millard

From public pools to surf clubs, restaurants and bars the spread of Covid-19 has caused closures across a range of businesses the Sunshine Coast and Noosa.

Some of the region’s most popular venues and restaurants have been affected with mass staff isolation due to people contracting Covid-19 or becoming close contacts.

A lack of rapid antigen tests and delays to PCR results have also proven to be a challenge.

Here is your guide to the affected businesses:

Closures and reduced hours

Noosa Aquatic Centre: Closed, with a decision on reopening expected on Friday night 

Sunshine Beach Surf Club: Closed for dinners 

Theo’s Social Club, Noosa Heads: Closed until January 13 

Bistro C, Noosa Heads: Closed for breakfast and lunch, open from 3pm 

Flo’s Creperie, Noosa Heads: Closed untill Tuesday, January 11 

Light Years, Noosa Heads: Trading lunch Thursday - Sunday and dinners Monday - Sunday

Alba, Noosa Springs: Closed, reopening January 14 for breakfast and lunch

Ricky's River Bar and Restaurant: Closed until Wednesday, January 12 lunch

Miss Moneypenny's Noosa: Closed from January 6, until further notice 

Noosa Boat House: 

• Open for lunch and takeaway coffee in mornings 
• Closed takeaway fish and chips, dinner 

Little Humid, Nooaville: Temporary closure with potential to reopen with limited bookings from Wednesday, January 12

Gusto, Noosaville: Open for bookings only 

Eduardo‘s by the River, Noosaville: Experiencing staffing issues, likely to be takeaway only

250 Grammi: Temporary closure, expected to reopen Thursday, January 13 

Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club: Limited numbers and hours

Sum Yung Guys, Noosaville: Temporarily closed from January 10

Black Bunny Cafe, Alexandra Headland: Closed Tuesday, January 11 - Thursday, January 13

Riceboi, Mooloolaba: Closed Mondays

Your Mates Brewery, Warana: Reduced capacity, limited menu

Nightquarter, Birtinya: Market cancelled Friday, January 7, returning Saturday

Coolum Surf Club:

• Monday & Tuesday: Restaurant closed, bar and gaming open
• Wednesday - Saturday: Restaurant, bar and gaming open 
• Sunday: Restaurant closed breakfast, open for lunch and dinner, bar and gaming open 

Ninth Street, Mooloolaba: Takeaway only, 11am-3pm

Market Bistro, Maroochydore: Closed Sundays, Mondays

Giddy Geisha, Maroochydore: Closed January 11-12 

Alex Bar and Grill, Alexandra Headland: Closed until at least January 11

Alex Hotel/Blue Bar, Alexandra Headland: Closed some nights

Flinders Lane, Maroochydore: Takeaway only

Flume by the River, Maroochydore: Takeaway only

Uptown Social Bar, Maroochydore: Reduced capacity 

Salem's Cave, Caloundra: Takeaway only 

Moffat Beach Brewing
- Production House, Caloundra: Closed until further notice
- Beachside, Moffat Beach: Short staffed, considering closing