COVID-19 easing means cafes can now bring back dog-friendly tables for customers

Thanks to the latest round of virus restrictions easing, four-legged friends may making a return to Queensland venues, and some are even doing free dog meals to celebrate.

FOR Rochedale South family Fiona, Solomon and Xander Box, last Saturday was a special occasion – it was the first time they had been out for a meal as a family since the COVID-19 shutdown began in mid-March.

They went to Little Black Pug Cafe on Logan Rd Mount Gravatt, where owner Louise Day was having a special day too – thanks to eased Stage 2 virus restrictions, it was the first day since the shutdown that customers could bring their dogs to the cafe.

‘Back to normal’: Cafes celebrate industry gamechanger

Well-known Coffee Club cafe closes after 23 years

Last supper for iconic Brisbane cafe

This is because under the amended Stage 2 restrictions, which came into effect last Friday (June 5) for venues with an approved COVID Safe Industry Plan, cafes and restaurants can now seat up to 20 customers per dining area, up from 20 in the entire venue.

Little Black Pug Cafe, Logan Road Mount Gravatt. Fiona, Xander (3) and Solomon Box enjoy breakfast at the Little Black Pug cafe. Saturday June 6, 2020. Picture: Renae Droop

Ms Daly said this vital change means they are now able to sit 20 customers in their inside seating area and 12 in their al fresco area, which is dog-friendly.

For a cafe which bills itself as providing food for “humans and dogs”, it’s a big deal and Ms Daly is optimistic the change will pave a way for cafes and restaurants to get back to profitability.

Little Black Pug Cafe, Logan Road Mount Gravatt. Danielle Kogler with her one-year-old american staffy 'Murray' enjoy a coffee at the cafe. Saturday June 6 2020. Picture: Renae Droop

Xander Box, meanwhile, is just concerned about the extra friends he gets to play with.

“He loves animals,” mum Fiona said. “He likes to be able to play with them. We don’t have a dog, so this is a way to have a dog without having one.”

Other cafes in Brisbane are also seeing a return of the four-legged customers.

Moorooka favourite Todd & Pup says they even have a special “doggie menu” to satisfy their clientele.

“Bookings need to be made via our ‘book now’ button on our Facebook page,” owner Kate Whitlock said.

“Right now we ask for a $20 spend per head for all bookings until restrictions are eased and bookings are for one hour.”

That Little Place at Mount Gravatt East is another cafe which has embraced the return of its canine customers.

While they are still only doing takeaway at this stage, owner Lisa Lee says her cafe is going the extra mile for dog-owners.

For four years, That Little Place’s special ‘Puppycakes’ have been a menu favourite for dogs.

Ordinarily, these would be sold to customers with all proceeds donated to RSPCA Queensland, but since the COVID-19 lockdown Ms Lee has been giving them free to customers.

“We figured that a lot of people can’t afford the little extras at this time, but we’re not prepared for the pups to miss out,” she said.