POPULAR Swan Hill restaurant Spoons Riverside will be forced to close for a “unspecified” period as staff shortages and unavailability take their toll on the hospitality industry.
In a media release the board and management team of Murray Downs announced the forced temporary closure.
COVID-19 has had a detrimental effect on all hospitality businesses, and like many industries restaurants have struggled to recruit suitable staff despite advertising crucial roles.
“It is with a heavy heart that we are now left with no alternative other than to temporarily close Spoons Riverside from Monday, May 23, 2022 for an unspecified amount of time due to a lack of staff and current staff unavailability,” the board and management said.
The restaurant is a popular function facility and customers who have bookings have been assured that their bookings will be honoured. In the meantime, Murray Downs will continue to try to recruit and train staff.
Spoons employees will be offered work at both Murray Downs and Swan Hill Club with no staff to be made redundant.
“Our staff that have stuck by us during the tough times are vital to the future operation and we will work with them to make the transition as smooth as possible,” the management said.
“Some will have the opportunity for long overdue leave and rest, which is well deserved.”
Management thanked their “wonderful” customers who had supported the business during two COVID-impacted years.
“This has not been an easy decision and we appreciate all of you who supported us during the past two years.
“We hope that you will return when we are able to reopen the doors.”
Businesses across Swan Hill are dealing with staff shortages but the hospitality industry has been hardest hit.
During the busy Easter tourist period, several were unable to open due to lack of staff, missing out on a usually profitable period.
