Toowoomba businesses operating under reduced capacity: Emerge, Fitzy’s, Tailgate, Copper Bench, Urth
‘It hurts more’: As businesses learn to adapt to these different times, we have compiled a list of businesses that you can support, who are operating under changed or reduced capacity.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
In January 2021, Kingfisher Cafe and Restaurant was always bustling.
The carpark was full, families and friends gathered at all times of the day, and with interstate travel still not allowed, the business recorded excellent numbers for what is typically a busy time.
12 months later, the opposite can be said, and owner Simon Desmarchelier said fear is keeping customers away, causing an unexpected downturn in their business.
When December 17 hit, the State Government enforced new restrictions barring unvaccinated patrons from restaurants and cafes, as well as a long list of other venues.
But Mr Desmarchelier said the downturn at his businesses has been more “fear-driven”.
“Decline really started where Covid started to ramp up in Toowoomba,” he said.
“It’s a fear driven downturn as opposed to a restriction downturn.
“They’re hesitant to come out.”
Mr Desmarchelier, who also owns 95 Mary Street, said his businesses had luckily never had an issue with check-ins, saying they had a 100 per cent success rate.
Three valuable staff members, however, made the unfortunate decision not to return to work after choosing not to be vaccinated.
Couple that with staff calling in sick with Covid-19, it’s been a difficult month for the business owner who, like many others, will have to adapt their business model to suit these difficult times.
He and his staff will be pushing for more takeaway options at 95 Mary Street, but other locations present a different set of challenges.
“At Kingfisher it’s difficult,” Mr Desmarchelier said.
“We don’t have a lot of passing foot traffic with regards to takeaway.
“We’re lucky to have all the open space so the risk of contracting Covid is remarkably low.”
He said with little in the way of financial support from the Government, it all comes down to the community rallying around their small businesses.
“My hope is this won’t last as long as everyone thinks,” he said.
“This one is going to hurt more. I hope people come out of this with a sense of optimism that we haven’t had in this pandemic.”
Our local businesses desperately need your support.
Here is a list of businesses operating under reduced or changed capacity that you can rally around:
– Emerge: Takeaway available
– Tailgate: Free delivery through Uber
– Catering People: Free delivery (January only)
– Fitzy’s: Reduced menu, bar snack menu unavailable
– Copper Bench: Changes to trading times (SEE HERE)
– Urth Cafe: Reduced trading hours (SEE HERE)
– Withcott Hotel: Takeaway available
– Hotel Norville: Delivery within 25km radius
*Note: This list will be updated regularly.
If you own a business operating under reduced capacity who needs some community support, please message our Facebook page or email toowoomba@news.com.au.