Morgan’s Seafood Market and Takeaway to keep its outdoor dining area closed

Easing restrictions have proved a blessing for this popular seafood restaurant, north of Brisbane, but it won’t be allowing customers to dine in this weekend, despite the change in rules.

Takeaway orders have increased at Morgan’s Seafood Market and Takeaway at Scarborough, north of Brisbane, since the State Government eased essential travel restrictions two weeks ago – but they will not be taking advantage of the latest change to the rules.

Tori Van Graan works along husband Roan Van Graan and her father Peter Michaels – the co-owners of Morgan’s, most weekends.

Tori Van Graan dishing up some prawns at Morgans Seafood Market and Takeaway, Scarborough. COVID-19 restrictions. Picture: Renae Droop

She said they had seen an increase in the number of takeaway orders since the restrictions were lifted on the Labour Day long weekend – allowing people to travel up to 50km and to enjoy a picnic or fish and chips in the park.

“We are doing our best, but it has been a challenge,” Mrs Van Graan said.

“That long weekend the wait for food went up to about an hour, but most people understood.”

Related stories

Qld RSL clubs prepare to reopen as restrictions ease

Redcliffe Leagues Club reveals new measures ahead of reopening

People queue at Morgans seafood, Scarborough during easing of COVID-19 restrictions. May 9, 2020. Picture: Renae Droop

She said it was at times difficult to keep an eye on customers and ensure they were keeping their 1.5m distance from one another.

“Some people are taking the social distancing seriously and others are not, which can cause issues,” she said.

Selina, Natasha and Jacinta Chen enjoyed their seafood picnic at the park opposite Morgans Seafood on May 9. Picture: Renae Droop

“But it is great to see that things are starting to return to normal.”

Mrs Van Graan said despite the rules allowing them have 10 people dining in from Saturday Morgans would not be opening up its outdoor dining area.

“It would be extremely hard to manage with the number of people we get,” she said.

“We can do 600 hundred orders on any given Saturday and Sunday, most of which are for groups of people, and to only allow 10 to dine in is not a conversation we are willing to have.”

Takeaway is not the only side of the business that is going well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs Van Graan said a number of people had been dropping by the fish market during the day.

“A lot of people have more time to cook and are making the effort to rediscover places they may have forgotten about,” she said.

“People have been really supportive.”