A RIVERLAND distillery has already seen an “influx of business” ahead of the long weekend, after being given the green light to reopen following COVID-19 restrictions.
Renmark’s Twentythird Street Distillery is among Riverland pubs, clubs and restaurants open for the June long weekend, after the venue was closed in March due to Federal Government restrictions surrounding the coronavirus.
Twentythird Street Distillery assistant manager Jas Morgan said locals and travellers quickly began enquiring about visiting the business after it was possible to reopen.
“Already we’ve had such an influx of business,” Ms Morgan said.
“The phone has been running hot for bookings… it’s a little bit surreal how quickly it’s happened, but it’s very exciting. We didn’t have the tourist flow, so the locals have been buying takeaway meals which has been great. Now we’re getting a lot of calls from both travellers and locals to have coffee or tastings again.”
Ms Morgan said the distillery had already been able to rehire numerous staff whose employment had been affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
“We haven’t been able to bring back the entire team, but quite a good chunk of the long-term (staff) and casuals,” she said.
“We’ve got a heap coming back for the long weekend now… some people who have worked here for a long time that we never wanted to lose. It’s good morale for the team and everyone’s excited to be back.”
Ms Morgan said time during COVID-19 restrictions had allowed the distillery to experiment with new dining options.
“Our menu has modified a little bit (and) it’s a little bit simpler, but we’ve been working on a new menu that we’ll be launching after the long weekend,” she said.
“We’re excited that during the time we were closed we could revamp our menu.”
Ms Morgan said the re-opening would illustrate the ability of Riverland businesses to survive impacts of COVID-19.
“We get a lot of foot traffic because we are on the road here in Renmark where people are always driving past,” she said.
“It’s just been so surreal the last (weeks) not having people in here. It’s such a huge building, so it’s kind of eerie.
“We’re spacing everyone out to try meet all the requirements and it’s good.”