The Tumbulgum Tavern replaces entire back of house after losing chefs during the busiest time of year

The Tumbulgum Tavern has been forced to close its kitchen for over two weeks after having to replace their brigade of chefs after a mass walkout.

Tumbulgum Tavern in the Tweed closes bistro for over two weeks due to staff shortages.

The Tumbulgum Tavern has been forced to close its kitchen during the holiday rush – at a time when business is desperately needed to help them get back on their feet after the floods.

The popular pub lost most of its chefs last week, forcing the kitchen to permanently close on Tuesday, January 3 at the peak of their holiday business trading.

Tumbulgum Tavern duty manager Cath Hogan said the some of the chefs couldn’t cope with the job, eventually leading to the walk out.

Not being able to serve food over the school holidays was a major blow to the tavern that was hit by the March floods that inundated much of the Northern Rivers.

Tumbulgum tavern underwater in the 2022 floods. Picture: Tweed District Volunteer Rescue Association

“It’s been a terrible time. It’s the busiest time of year for us – normally anyway,” Ms Hogan said.

The Tumbulgum Tavern normally picks up large amounts of business from holiday makers at this time of year coming down from the Gold Coast and even Brisbane.

The Tumbulgum Tavern has also been struggling to find staff to cover the front of house too, with a few long-term staff members slated to leave at the end of January.

“Everyone’s short at the moment in this industry,” Ms Hogan said.

The pub is hoping to open the Bistro this Wednesday (January 18), Ms Hogan said.

Meanwhile, at the Kingscliff Beach Hotel and the Chinderah Tavern, Manager Tony Roberts said both venues have had a great run over the school holiday period.

“We’ve got a great team on at the moment, we’re busy as hell and going for it,” he said.