Hobart restaurant Oddfellows folds after just one year
Hobart restaurant Oddfellows Bar and Eatery has closed its doors after just one year citing Covid-19 restrictions as the reason for its demise.
Oddfellows Bar and Eatery co-directors Chloe Proud and Niall Maurici said the restrictions had “decimated” the hospitality sector and warned “no amount of positive messaging and community spirit” will repair the damage.
“Despite our efforts to persevere through the s**t storm, this is for all our fellow operators, all our mental health and relationships, all our feelings of security, the time has come for us to close this chapter and leave our beloved space,” the duo said in a social media post confirming the closure.
“An entire industry has been decimated overnight, and no amount of positive messaging and community spirit will repair and recoup the loss.
“Our industry and similar sectors are the key holders to culture in the state you feel so lucky to reside in. They’re on their knees and have no say or guidance in what’s to come and how we may all remain relevant and serving the needs of the community the best.”
The latest closure is the latest casualty for Hobart’s thriving dining scene with award-winning restaurant Franklin announcing its permanent closure last month.
Opposition leader Rebecca White said the hospitality sector needed urgent government support.
“We know the importance of the building and construction sector to the economy, and the government’s infrastructure program announced last week contains some important measures,” White told The Mercury.
“But there was nothing for hospitality or tourism, even though many of these businesses are already on the brink. It is concerning that these are the industries where job losses have been the greatest, with women and young people worst affected.”
Sheridan Randall, 10th June 2020
