Omicron turns restaurants into ghost towns, while government support dries up
Restaurant and Catering Australia CEO Wes Lambert said a survey of the organisation’s NSW members showed the average business’ revenue was down by up to 60% since the start of the year.
“The vibe is gone”: Businesses in Melbourne’s CBD are crying out for government support under ‘unofficial lockdown’
The latest wave of COVID-19 is putting pressure on small businesses in Melbourne’s CBD, with revenues similar to, or even less than, lockdown levels.
Melbourne coffee business apologises for offering ‘free’ RATs … that weren’t so free
A Melbourne coffee roaster has made a swift backtrack and issued an apology after offering ‘free’ rapid antigen tests with a $160 spend.
Victorian rent relief scheme coming to an end, as new COVID-19 rules come into effect
Victoria’s Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme is coming to an end on Friday, January 15, 2022, while businesses continue to struggle.
“Releasing a pressure valve”: 85% of restaurant owners support a hospitality worker visa
The majority of Aussie restaurant owners support a dedicated hospitality visa, as the industry grapples with a costly talent drought.
NSW businesses feel the pinch as Omicron concerns drive Christmas cancellations
COVID-19 restrictions may have eased in NSW, but consumers are reluctant to get out and about ahead of Christmas, meaning things aren’t getting much easier in hospitality.
Hawaiian salad bowl chain Poked collapses after five years in business
A chain of Hawaiian-themed salad bars called Poked have collapsed, with the directors attributing repeat COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne as the main cause.
Australia’s best fish and chips shops revealed
They are arguably the quintessential Australian small business, and one that many of us will visit even more over the summer months: the local fish and chip shop.
Calm & Stormy weathered the COVID-19 crisis, and emerged with Woolies and 7-Eleven on board
Almost two years after disaster struck, Calm & Stormy is seeing double pre-COVID revenues — and the founders expect that to continue rising.
How this family business is part of a push to revitalise the southern Gold Coast
The heritage-listed Kirra Pavilion that is positioned on one of the Gold Coast’s most spectacular pieces of real estate will open in January as the family-run Siblings restaurant.
“Respect the staff”: Qld Small Business Minister calls for civility as businesses brace for vaccine rules
Queensland Small Business Minister Di Farmer is warning diners and theatre-goers to treat workers in small businesses with respect, as employers brace for new vaccine rules.
Mr Yum raises $89 million to build “Shopify for restaurants”
Melbourne-born startup Mr Yum has raised $89 million in Series A funding to seize a global opportunity in hospitality tech.
