At a time when some eateries are considering their future Evil Eye Cafe has proceeded with plans to open second outlet in Wollongong.
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The Gunes family were planning to open the new venue on Cliff Rd for both dine-in and takeaway early in July. But when NSW went into lockdown they decided to start with takeaway only.
Kayahan Gunes said they were confident about making the move in the middle of a three week COVID-19 lockdown on Thursday.
That is because of their experience early in 2020 when they opened the first Evil Eye Cafe in Vereker Street, Fairy Meadow during the first lockdown.
The new eatery opened on the site of the former Blu Orange Cafe started trading at 7am on Thursday at 54-58 Cliff Rd.
"It is a bit like deja vu to open in the same circumstances," Mr Gunes said.
"We kind of see it as a good omen.
"People keep saying to us "this can't be happening again that you are opening in lockdown when people can't come and dine in".
"But we believe we will be successful like we were in the other shop."
Mr Gunes said even though both eateries are trading as takeaway only the family run business proceeded with the same staff roster for next week that they would have used even if the lockdown had ended on Friday.
"All our experienced staff are helping us in this new location," he said.
"Even before we opened every second person walking past asked us if we were still opening on Thursday.
"It is a good feeling when you see people smiling because they know we are still opening here. And also from the people who didn't know and are just finding out."
It is a bit like deja vu to open in the same circumstances. We kind of see it as a good omen. People keep saying to us "this can't be happening again that you are opening in lockdown when people can't come and dine in"
- Kayahan Gunes
Despite it being takeaway only this week and next Mr Gunes said the most popular dishes are still on the menu.
"I know it is not same experience but we are still using the same produce and meals will still be the same but in a takeaway box instead of on a plate," he said.
The most popular takeaway dish at Fairy Meadow during the last fortnight has been Evil Eye Cafe's fruit bowl.
"Our blender has been going not stop making that during lockdown," Mr Gunes said.
When COVID-19 restrictions ease in NSW and the new eatery on Cliff Rd can operate at full capacity it will be able to accommodate up to 50 people for dining in.
Given the foreshore location the Gunes family is expecting takeaway food and coffee will still be popular for people out on a walk along Cliff Rd or The Blue Mile.
They said it is a far more visible location than the Fairy Meadow eatery and they are expecting to attract many new customers.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
