Heartbreaking reason iconic Gold Coast restaurant is now offering takeaway

A longstanding Gold Coast restaurant is has decided to keep its kitchen open for takeaway despite knowing it’s too costly to make a profit. Here’s why.

A HEARTBREAKING decision to stand down 20 staff has prompted a Gold Coast restaurant keep its kitchen open for takeaway despite being a costly service.

Surfers Paradise Italian restaurant Costa D’Oro is now offering takeaway to customers and free feeds to its former employees after harsh restrictions came into place on Monday to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Costa D’oro co-owner Nuccia Fusco said this is the first time the restaurant has closed its main dining area since opening in 1987.

“33 years we’ve been operating without ever having to close one day. Now it’s a ghost town,” she said.

BROADBEACH RESTAURANTS MOVE TO TAKEAWAY TO SURVIVE

Costa D’Oro co-owner Nuccia Fusco handing takeaway over to driver Darren Graham. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

PRESTIGIOUS DEGUSTATION RESTAURANT CLOSES DOORS

“We had to let 20 staff go. Most of the staff we had to let go won’t find work. If we keep the kitchen open, at least we can feed them, they can come past every day and pick up a meal.

“The other reason is to try and stay alive as long as possible, keep as many people aware that we’re here, we want to give back to everybody that’s been giving to us for 33 years. We’re still here for them if anyone needs anything.”

Costa D’Oro is now running a takeaway menu with $15 lunches and $20 dinners. Customers can also order takeaway coffee, or add a beer, wine or cider to their food order.

The meals are ordered over the phone and can be taken out to your car as a pick up “drive through” service.

Ms Fusco said it was the first time the restaurant had to close in 33 years. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

LAST DRINKS IN SURFERS PARADISE

“They’re all main course, large serves. Kids (meals) are $6 across the board,” Ms Fusco said.

“They all freeze really well as well, so you could buy six or 10 meals all at once, stock up your freezer.”

Ms Fusco said the state of the world at the moment feels more like a nightmare than reality, and she feels the worst is yet to come.

“We didn’t see it coming. I still wake up and think ‘did I just dream all of that? Is it real?’,” she said.

“The scariest part is not so much what we’re going through right now, it’s what’s going to happen in two months’ time or three months’ time. You can’t even imagine.”