Knox Ozone: Sporting Globe and Miss Pickle 1971 prepare to reopen after coronavirus lockdown
Walking into Knox Ozone for a feed this summer may feel dining at one of Italy’s famous piazzas if discussions between restaurants and Westfield are anything to go by. Find out what they are planning.
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Knox Ozone could be temporarily turned into an Italian piazza this summer as businesses start to plan for its much anticipated reopening.
Diners are chomping at the bit to return to the vibrant restaurant strip when coronavirus restrictions ease pending the State Government’s roadmap goes to plan.
Presently hospitality venues are being slated to reopen on October 26 with al fresco dining if coronavirus infections are below certain levels.
The State Government announced it would give $87.5 million in funding to councils and businesses outside Melbourne’s CBD was ensure outdoor dining was a reality this summer.
Mediterranean restaurant Miss Pickle 1971 owner Steve Katrouni said a recent discussion with Westfield who were discussing letting restaurants use the centreway to serve diners like a European piazza.
Mr Katrouni said he still needed better understand State Government rules around reopening with the limited front outdoor area.
“Something is better than nothing,” he said.
“I think everyone is in the same boat. Ozone has turned into a ghost town.
“People are doing the right thing and staying at home but it’s a shadow of its former self.”
The restaurant has been able to continue trading throughout the lockdown after setting up a delivery service.
He said diners can look forward to a few new items on the menu for later this year including Mediterranean mezze – small sharing platters.
Mr Katrouni said the delivery was to keep his staff in jobs and stay relevant in the community.
Sporting Globe chief executive and founder James Sinclair said he expected the rules around reopening would be similar to regional Victoria with 50 diners outside and 20 inside.
“We have opened again in Geelong and Ballarat (venues) and they’re booked out all the time,” Mr Sinclair said.
“People are desperate to get out and see their friends and family in a safe way.”
He said the team had invested in a lot of technology at the Knox venue to make sure it opened in the safest way possible.
Mr Sinclair said there was a digital guest registry which recorded contact details of patrons as soon as they entered the pub.
He said there was a beacon on every table which allowed patrons to order from their own smartphone and have their food and drinks delivered directly to their tables.
Mr Sinclair said there was plenty of room to make sure tables were at a safe distanced both inside, outside and on the rooftop, which has weatherproof roofing and heating.
Knox Council chief executive Tony Doyle said planning to support outdoor dining had started in consultation with local businesses.
“Local initiatives are being developed and will be finalised once detail of State Government guidelines and funding initiatives is known,” Mr Doyle said.
Westfield Knox spokeswoman said it was too early to share specific plans for reopening outdoor dining at Knox Ozone.
“When it comes to the health and wellbeing of our customers, retail partners and employees, we follow health and government advice as we have done throughout the pandemic,” she said.
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