Beaches Off Tedder, Main Beach, permanently closes amid COVID-19
A popular beachside cafe is set to close after “ridiculous” COVID-19 restrictions killed soaring patronage, with the owners revealing what they’ve had to do to make ends meet.
Gold Coast
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A POPULAR beachside Gold Coast cafe is set to close after tough COVID-19 restrictions killed soaring patronage.
Beaches Off Tedder is typically a hive of activity during September school holidays but after a dramatic decrease in trade, it will permanently shut on Sunday September 27.
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Owner and chef Michael Furnell said before coronavirus hit, the Main Beach cafe was busier than ever but “ridiculous” COVIDSafe regulations and an ongoing rent dispute contributed to the venue’s demise.
“Patronage has rapidly declined since March and current restrictions have been really tough, especially seating just 50 diners,” he said.
“We were also having a dispute with our landlord before COVID-19 hit and we have been slapped with a 2.5% rent increase amid the pandemic.
“JobKepper helped, but there hasn’t been a lot of left over after paying for rent, and staff wages and superannuation each week.
“It’s been a true battle to survive this long but we have lost the fight with COVID.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced further easing of restrictions on Friday.
From 1am on October 1, venues, like cafes, will now be allowed to have one person per 2 sqm outside instead of the current restrictions on one person per 4 sqm.
Mr Furnell said the announcement was too little too late for the family-owned business.
“The state government have done well limiting the exposure to the virus but it’s ridiculous what’s happened to us,” he said.
“We are trying to stay positive. We are now looking to relocate to a smaller premises and mainly serve takeaway.”
Michael, his wife Rachel and daughters Olivia and Isabella have been serving customers at Beaches Off Tedder since 2015.
They are now selling all the cafe furniture and kitchen equipment to make ends meet.
Gold Coasters can contact Beaches Off Tedder on Facebook or Instagram for more information.
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