Operator of Narrabri’s Crossroads Hotel, Dave Hamel, is looking forward to welcoming patrons back to the hotel on Wednesday as COVID restrictions are eased.

And he is optimistic that given some clear air ahead with no further COVID-driven stops and starts, the future for the hotel is promising.

“There is so much happening in Narrabri district we are well placed as we gradually return to business as usual,” Mr Hamel said.

“I am totally optimistic about the future. There is pent up demand – people are anxious to get out and socialise again at hospitality venues – it is such an important part of our lives.”

When Dave Hamel came to Narrabri to take over ownership of The Crossroads Hotel in February 2018 he was excited to be entering a new era in a town he quickly grew to love.

The Crossroads was a popular, busy and vibrant meeting place for many, with outdoor and indoor areas to enjoy great food and drinks.

The prospects for growth were great as the rain fell, a big winter crop planting appeared on the horizon, the Inland Rail project gathered momentum with attendant development of the Narrabri Inland Port and the possibility of a natural gas industry.

Then COVID-19 struck.

All hotels, restaurants, clubs and other venues where people gathered were forced to close abruptly.

It was a massive ‘king hit.’

All businesses have all been hard hit by the ongoing COVID crisis and the hospitality industry has been no exception.

Mr Hamel acknowledged that the COVID pandemic strictures had been hard, ‘but now we are coming back slowly.’

Closures and restrictions on trade and public gatherings forced new rules for pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes from March last year as everyone is well aware.

Now things are beginning to get back to ‘almost normal’.

“We have been closed for the lockdown period – but we hope to be back this week,” said Mr Hamel.

“We anticipate the Crossroads bar will be open on Wednesday, pending confirmation of bar staff, and accommodation will be open.

“As soon as we can get going we will.

“The bistro will open as soon as we can recruit staff – chefs, waitpersons, kitchen hands.”

With the closures and COVID restrictions on trade, staff had been forced to move on and hiring of new staff has been a challenge for many small businesses.

Bookings in the 24 room accommodation at the Crossroads were impacted, like other accommodation providers, by the shutdown on travel.

“The flow of travellers just dried up,” said Mr Hamel. “Travellers are an important part of our business.”

Meanwhile, Mr Hamel reminded patrons that ‘everyone has to be double vaccinated to enter the premises.’

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