Owners resilient, but F&B industry facing multiple challenges

Covid-19

Howard Salkow

Senior Journalist

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Chill At Portofino's owner Tony Moore informs customers he has to close for a few days to rest his staff, thanking them for their amazing work. VIDEO: Facebook

Port Douglas and Far North Queensland’s food and beverage industry is fighting a battle on a number of fronts and although they have displayed incredible resilience, they are faced with a situation which will get a lot worse before it gets better.

Staff shortages, employees who have been struck down by Covid-19 and some who are not fully vaccinated are the reasons why we are seeing the ‘closed’ sign at numerous outlets on Macrossan Street and elsewhere in the town. Some are closed until further notice, while others are closing for a few days to give their remaining staff a well-earned break.

Coupled to this, food supplies have been disrupted and besides empty shelves at some of the supermarkets, restaurants are unable to obtain necessary produce.

“We simply cannot expect our clientele to be told that certain menu items are unavailable. And while they may understand, I don’t think any restaurant would want to operate under these circumstances,” said an owner who requested anonymity.

Restaurateurs are going to all lengths to communicate with their customers to explain the unique predicament. Tony Moore from Chill Cafe in Palm Cove even took to social media via video to explain, thanking his staff for their stoic effort and like all the operators, reiterating their commitment to opening as soon as possible and delivering the famous Far North Queensland service.

And in Port Douglas yesterday the Jade Inn Chines Restaurant posted posted a message which sums up the predicament the town is faced with: “Dear valued customer, it is with great regret that we have to close, until further notice, due to a food and staff shortage. We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”

Other messages include: Jimmy Rum’s Mixing Lounge is closed until further notice; Plantation Resort Port Douglas will be closed due to staff shortages until further notice; Choo Choos at the Marina will be closing for the next three days as they are short staffed and the remaining few need a break. They look forward to “seeing you all on Sunday”. 

 
Ever-changing situation

Meanwhile, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, the shire’s tourism body, posted the following on its Facebook page:

“Despite the difficulties with staffing being experienced Australia wide, we acknowledge that everyone in our shire is going above and beyond to ensure that we continue to deliver a wonderful visitor experience.

“While this situation is ever-changing, TPDD has compiled a list of restaurant opening hours for the next three days to assist the Douglas industry with guest queries.

We will continue to update this listing as needed."


List of temporary closures

“We have listed our members on our site and their current status and will be updating this daily; you can access this list by clicking here: bit.ly/3n02YGc

“Please note that restaurants will be booked out so it is recommended that you advise your guests to call or book ahead.”

Book online

Online availability and bookings for restaurants with these facilities can be made at
https://tourismportdouglas.com.au/book-a-restaurant-now-with-live-availability

Contact details for all restaurants and cafes can be found here
https://tourismportdouglas.com.au/all-restaurants-bars-and-cafes


New phase

In a statement to Newsport, Tara Bennett, CEO of TPDD, said for Australia, COVID is in a new phase where we are learning to live with it in our community.

“Douglas is no different and while businesses are having to change operating hours and service delivery to adapt, the current situation does not take away from the sensational holiday experience the region has to offer travellers.

“Online forums this week highlighted the wonderful holidays visitors are currently enjoying in the region. TPDD strongly encourages anyone already booked or considering summer in the tropics to come and bask in the regions beauty, planning and pre-booking experiences and dining are recommended,” she said.

She added that current bookings indicate visitation will drop 10% from 70% to 60% occupancy over the weekend which will ease the strain on dining capacity.

The current situation raises a question which cannot be avoided: If everything was to close, will visitors still come to Port Douglas?

 

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