Copper Bench Toowoomba posts video of empty cafe at peak time

WATCH: A short but heartbreaking video of a popular cafe in town shows the full impact of the latest wave of Covid cases. See the video here.

Tenzin Norbu from the Copper Bench is finding business slow in Ruthven St. Friday, January 14, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

In under one minute, a Toowoomba business owner has summed up the pain that the latest wave of Covid cases is inflicting on the town’s local businesses and eateries.

Tenzin Norbu from Copper Bench posted a video to the cafe’s social media account of their empty cafe during what should have been a peak time for the business.

The video shows at 9.49am on Saturday, January 15, all the tables and chairs were totally empty.

Front and back of house staff were seen standing idly with no work to fill the day.

Speaking with The Chronicle last week, Mr Norbu said trade had dropped by half.

Copper bench Saturday 14th January at 9:40AM

Hi guys, Last few days we been reading and following some comments from public, media, politicians etc about the latest impact of Covid in CBD on businesses ( Chronicle article 👉 https://www.facebook.com/24945426253/posts/10158485834356254/) Some of them seem to be in disbelief or not in aknowledgment of the impact. Many of our customers have shown such a great support as always. This video we decided to upload to show a little what is happening nowdays. Please remember this Video is taken just this past Saturday 14th January at peak trading hour usually full house 9AM - 10AM. People in hospitality knows that weekend breakfast with beautiful weather and those hours in the morning is peak trading for any Cafe / Coffee shop. We don't speak for others but only us and some friends in other DINING oriented pubs/Cafes/restaurants that they are also in similar boat. Please share this and especially mention this to our local councils, councillors, member of groom and any politician/leaders, media to let them know that all is not what is seems. But please don't worry, you know we are the resilient type and will keep fighting for our staffs and families. Thank you everyone and gave a great day🙂 Mayor Paul Antonio #toowoombachamberofcommerce #toowoombaregion #dinedarlingdown #toowoombacafes #toowoombasmallbusiness #tlcfortrc #localfirst #toowoombaregionalcouncil

Posted by Copper Bench on Sunday, January 16, 2022

“The kitchen has been closing about 1.30pm in the past week, but I think we’re going to have to close the whole store at that time too,” he said.

“I still want to give hours to our staff, they’ve got bills to pay, but it’s difficult.

“We’ve had to cut hours, and I can’t tell at this time if we’re making money or losing money.”

The video is a stark display of the impact this latest wave is having on local businesses.

Kingfisher Cafe Restaurant owner Simon Desmarchelier said they had lost staff due to the pandemic and vaccination mandate.

Customer numbers are also dwindling.

“But Mr Desmarchelier said the downturn at his businesses had 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.”

Covid cases on the Darling Downs have tripled in the last few weeks, and five deaths have been recorded.