Two words which are certainly prominent among business owners at the present time are ‘clarity’ and ‘positivity’.
As such unprecedented times persist, Savoury Fare proprietor, Des Hennelly, referenced such words on numerous occasions as he spoke with the Athlone Advertiser this week, pertaining to matters Covid-19 and its ongoing detrimental impact upon his three cafe/restaurants and what the future holds for the local business environment.
Under the dual ownership of Des and business partner, Rory Currid, Savoury Fare employs 41 staff members, all of whom work within the three eateries operated by the food company, in Irishtown, Monksland and Fernhill Garden Centre.
“We made the decision to reopen our Savoury Fare restaurant in Monksland on Thursday of last week and thankfully, business has been brisk which is most welcome in such uncertain times. Our staff are willing and want to work and to have the return of social interaction with our customers affords a boost to the spirits,” Des stated.
As uncertainty remains with regard to the reopening of both the Irishtown and Fernhill businesses, Des has stressed the urgent need for a more positive tone and a modicum of clarity for a hospitality industry, decimated by the pandemic.
“Presently, we are looking at the situation through ‘thick fog’ as to when the day will arrive when we can reopen our business doors on a permanent basis, but since the onset of the new year it appears that there has been little reference to the hospitality industry and the future prospects for a return to full-time trade.
“It is a vast concern, not alone for our local hospitality industry but for all local business sectors, many of whom may not unfortunately reopen for trade at the end of this current Covid-19 restrictions period,” Des asserted.
When open prior to Christmas, the three Savoury Fare locations enjoyed favourable trade but the knowledge that closure was imminent did not allow for the creation of a festive atmosphere and as Covid-19 case numbers escalated Des noted his concern with regard to the necessary implementation of public health and safety guidelines.
“As a business proprietor the responsibility to provide essential public health and safety measures at our three locations is vast and as the Covid-19 case numbers increased during December there was that persistent concern with forced closure on Christmas Eve, our busiest day of the calendar year, being a disappointment,” Des continued.
Des lauded the cohesive efforts of all his staff members within the food company, “all they want to do is work”, and is grateful that the PUP payment remains in situ while the pandemic persists.
“The PUP is a positive for all our staff at this time and thankfully, we have been in a position to avail of relevant Covid-19 grants, but in the long term it is not feasible to be relying upon such payments to remain as a business commodity with the aspiration to return to full-time trade,” Des commented.
As uncertainty remains pertaining to the future of this year’s Leaving Certificate examination, Des is of the realisation that such indecision will continue to negatively impact all local business sectors.
“I fully respect the impact of Covid-19 on our society, this virus must be heeded, but decisions need to be made at Government level.
“With the rollout of the vaccination programme, strands of optimism may start to emanate, but I could not be certain of when customers will once again enjoy a sit-down experience within one of our locations.
“Covid-19 case numbers appear to be falling at present and complemented by the vaccination programme rollout, this affords a positive outlook at this time. As we know, the situation is ever evolving but I look forward to the date when we can finally reopen Savoury Fare to the public and welcome back our customers on a permanent basis,” Des concluded.
