The staff at the Roasted Kombi on Wednesday were (L- R) Debbie Mitchell, Danielle Adams, Kelvin Rowe, Ellen Thomas and Gabrielle Boland.
Life returned to the Parkes CBD coffee shops and restaurants after the relaxation of COVID-19 regulations with patrons flocking to their favourite spots despite freezing winter weather showing up on the first of June.
“The last two Saturdays have been hectic,” said Kelvin Rowe, co-owner of the Roasted Kombi. “We’ve been absolutely smashed with so many people coming for breakfast.”
He said it was just brilliant to see people leaving their homes and coming out to enjoy themselves. “It is so good to see especially the older generation coming out and enjoying their daily coffee. We missed seeing them every day, and it’s great having them back.”
Norma Oliver and Jan Sunderland were happy to go No more take away coffees. out and enjoy a coffee together at Roasted Kombi on Wednesday.
Kevin said they had pretty much gone back to what it was like before the isolation regulations. “It is really good. We are still a little bit down on lunch times.”
Kelvin added that they were very happy to have achieved their goal of not having to let off any staff members during the lockdown period. “We did have to cut their hours, but with the delivery service we brought in, we managed to keep them all.”
He said the one positive of slowing down during the lockdown was having time to add new items to the menu like kebabs, waffles and loaded chips. “You become complacent when you are so busy. The new items have been very popular.”
Kelvin also wanted to thank all their patrons for their support during COVID-19.
From Monday, 1st June, pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants can have up to 50 customers.
Other restrictions eased include travel to regional NSW for a holiday, visits to museums, galleries and libraries, beauty and nail salon operators can begin treatments, and up to 20 people can attend weddings, 50 at funerals and 50 at places of worship.
By Maggi Barnard