Fern Tree Tavern operators put a twist on the business to ensure survival during COVID-19 shutdown

A local tavern is one of many innovative businesses finding new ways to operate in the COVID-19 era – and ultimately becoming more relevant to their community.

THE operators of a local tavern will continue to operate the venue as a makeshift grocery store even after the coronavirus pandemic has passed.

Fern Tree Tavern publicans Leanne Minshull and David Nunn started selling essential groceries including bread, milk, toilet paper and fresh fruit and vegetables after their popular pub was forced to close to dine-in patrons due to government restrictions.

And the move has been hugely popular with locals, who have been pining for a place to buy groceries since their corner store closed eight years ago.

It is just one of many innovative local businesses finding new ways to operate in the COVID-19 era, and ultimately becoming more relevant to their community.

Ms Minshull said she and Mr Nunn had lived at Fern Tree for 10 years and started running the hotel three years ago to create a hub for community events.

“There’s a really big community following here, and a lot of people had said to us that they’ve missed a shop over years,” Ms Minshull said.

“But we’d been so busy building the tavern [business] we just didn’t have time to incorporate it.”

Fern Tree Tavern licensees Leanne Minshull and David Nunn, who have added a local grocer to their pub. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

But with a drop in tourists visiting the pub on their way to and from Mt Wellington due to coronavirus shutdown, the couple decided to try something new.

They stock basic groceries, fresh produce, locally made toiletries and jam, which saves locals driving to South Hobart or the CBD to shop.

Take home meals from the kitchen – including lasagne and risotto – have also been popular.

“We have a ranger up here that everyone calls Ranger Ben,” Ms Minshull said.

“And Ranger Ben said to us that with all the isolation and darkness we’ve been like a little light on the hill.

“You don’t have to go down the mountain now if you don’t want to.”

Fern Tree locals Christopher Lawrence and Julia Fredersdorff with their children Mina, 8 and Belle, 5, pick up some goods at the new grocer at the Fern Tree Tavern. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Ms Minshull is grateful for financial support small businesses have received which enabled them to retain their staff.

“Between JobKeeper and support from the State Government, that’s what has kept the doors open,” she said.

“We’re hoping as we get back to whatever the new normal is that this will be an ongoing part of our business and we think it will make our business more successful.

“It’s been really lovely feeling like, during this difficult period, that we’ve been a really central part of the Fern Tree community.”

Tasmanian Small Business Council executive officer Robert Mallett said it was great to see so many businesses discovering new ways of operating and making positive changes for the future.

“The age-old saying that necessity is the mother of invention has definitely come true during this crisis,” he said.

“It is very easy to get in a rut when you’re running a business … but what this has forced people to do is something completely different and in some cases it has been found to be an excellent change.”