Narrabri Shire businesses deemed as an essential service are doing whatever it takes to keep their doors open and adapt to lockdown measures introduced by the NSW government.

A stay-at-home order was extended an additional week following the spread of COVID in regional areas in the state. The order requires that any business not considered ‘essential’ closes to the public.

Hospitality venues and other food-related vendors can continue to operate but in a take-away capacity.

One such Narrabri business to alter its operations to ensure it can open during lockdown is Maitland Street cafe T-Table.

On a regular day, the cafe would host people for breakfasts, lunches and coffee and cake catch-ups. Instead, the lockdown has seen the business ramp up its take-away service during the stay-at-home requirement.

The cafe’s proprietor, Dan Gillmore, has been heartened by the support of their regular customers.

“Our morning trade is pretty good,” he said.

“All of our regular customers are still coming in.

“We are grateful for the people who are still supporting us. It’s overwhelming.”

Mr Gillmore isn’t alone in appreciating the support of customers during this tough lockdown period.

Fellow Maitland Street hospitality venues have also opened their doors in a take-away capacity.

While the Tourist Hotel has seen its usually busy bars and dining areas’ lively atmosphere curtailed due to the public health restrictions, it too has ramped up its stay-at-home offering.

Take-away meals have been served up from Thursday to Saturday.

Manager Geoff Artis has been thrilled with the community’s response.

At the other end of Maitland Street, the Namoi Hotel has kept its cookers fired up and is still offering lunch and dinners.

When The Courier visited on Friday evening, the hotel’s chef Todd Manton was busy preparing orders ready to be picked up by customers.

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