From closures to record sales – COVID-19 is affecting each business on this strip differently
One business has been forced to close, another’s takings are down by 85 per cent and one is busier than ever – here is how COVID-19 has affected businesses on Landsborough Ave, Scarborough.
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One business has been forced to close, another’s takings are down by 85 per cent and a longtime restaurant owner has lost a sublessee – but despite all this Scarborough business owners are doing their best to stay positive.
Landsborough Ave, Scarborough, is usually thriving, with people enjoying the ocean views while they have their breakfast, lunch, sweet treats, coffee, browse through the clothing stores or grab a bite to eat for dinner.
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All that changed when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out and tough new regulations meant restaurants and cafes were restricted to serving takeaway goods only.
Here is how the changes have affected business on Landsborough Ave, Scarborough:
Brad’s
Brad’s a burger restaurant on Landsborough Ave, announced via Facebook, he had no option but to close on Friday.
“I regret that I have to announce that we are closed for business,” Brad wrote on Facebook.
“I would love to thank all of our regulars that have supported us throughout the last six years.”
He also thanked his staff.
The post attracted 65 comments, with many saying how sorry they were to hear the news.
“Sorry to hear this news Brad. You have done so much for the community over recent weeks,” Karen A Wills wrote.
Danny’s
Sue and Danny White, who operate Danny’s, a little further along Landsborough Ave, said the restrictions and tough times had certainly had an impact on their business operations.
The restaurant was previously open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A sublessee ran the breakfast and lunch service while Mr and Mrs White took over for dinner.
The sublessee was expected to take over the entire operation on April 1.
“He had signed the contract and everything,” Mrs White said.
“It was all ready to go, but we let him out of the contract, as it was not what he had signed up for.”
The restaurant is now open five nights, Tuesday to Saturday from 2.30pm.
“We had to come up with a whole new menu to suit takeaway,” Mr White said.
Mr White says the restrictions did take him by surprise.
“I was expecting it to be a lot worse,” he said.
“I had thought they would shut us down completely so at least we got something out of it.”
Mr White estimated that most restaurant’ trade would have suffered a 50 per cent drop as a minimum.
Mrs White said customers were continuing to support them the best they could.
“We have one customer who used to come in for dinner once a week,” she said.
“He is self-isolating at the moment, but he is giving us $100 a week because he said he felt guilty he couldn’t get dinner. Apparently we are not the only restaurant he is giving money too.
“We are paying it forward and every Tuesday we give $100 worth of meals to the Breakfast Club of Redcliffe (an organisation that helps the homeless).
“There a lot of good things happening in the community.”
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Showcase Beers
Showcase Beers owners Andy McConnell and Tina Orley had to let all of their casual staff go due to the COVID-19 downturn.
Mr McConnell said all the staff were very understanding and he planned to re-hire them when things turned around.
They opened the craft beers pub just more than 12 months ago.
“We can’t do dine in any more but we are still offering takeaway pizzas, chicken wings, garlic breads and chicken nuggets, it is all we can do,” Mr McConnell said.
All their craft beers are also available for takeaway.
Mr McConnell appreciated the level of support the community had showed so far but said takings were down by 85 per cent.
“Which is a hell of a lot,” he said. “I am lucky to have a very good landlord and we have put measures in place to see us through if this last another few months.”
The business has also had to reduce its hours and is now just open for dinner.
Friendly Grocer
Alan and his brother Sam Hassan have run the Friendly Grocer at Scarborough for six years. And while most businesses are doing it tough Alan said his business was booming.
He said the key had been ensuring customers had access to the items they needed most.
“I’ve been making sure I have got everything. I’ve got hand sanitiser, pasta, toilet paper, handwash, flour is the only thing I have not been able to get,” Alan said.
“I have also been able to offer a lot of specials, especially on fruit and vegetables, if customers continue to support me I can get better prices and pass it on.”
Alan said he has also been delivering items to a number of loyal elderly customers who can no longer come out – including a 96-year-old couple.
“It is not about money, it is about supporting them. We all need to support each other as we are all in the same situation,” Alan said.
Alan said he had noticed more people than usual out and about getting their daily exercise.
“Some of the coffee shop owners say they have been busier than ever,” he said.
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