While Bobby Corvette wants to see families in his newly furbished eatery, The Salty Squid, he is pleased to be open and serving fresh seafood through a takeaway window while the region is in COVID lockdown.

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The Shell Cove marina is still under construction, due to be completed by the end of the year, yet Mr Corvette has taken the opportunity to establish his business before the rush.

"We are the first ones to open on the bank that leads up to the tavern," he said.

"There has been about 30 years of talk of a marina in Shell Cove and now to see it come to fruition is amazing.

"It will look great once the fence comes down.

"I can imagine people sitting down to rip into fish and chips with a beer or soft drink while looking out onto the amazing marina."

Mr Corvette said there was always apprehension when opening a new business but felt "lucky" to have a business that could sell takeaway food as well as employ 15 staff members during difficult times.

"We wanted to get in early and try and impress the locals, who can give us feedback. As a growing business we need that feedback," he said.

"It gives us an opportunity to learn from mistakes. We feel really lucky to be trading during COVID and we thank the locals for giving us a go. We can't use the inside or terrace which is a shame but our takeaway opening has gone down reasonably well.

"We are ready to have people inside as soon as we are allowed.

"We had a quiet opening on August 27 and we plan to have a bigger celebration once restrictions ease and people can go inside the shop to sit down and eat.

"We are passionate about great service and all are staff are still learning. We are here for the long haul and want to establish ourselves as a favourite place in the local community."

Mr Corvette said The Salty Squid focused on freshness and higher end fish and chips at a reasonable price, and looks forward to families filling his store and playing arcade games.

"I am biased, but it is a good looking fish and chips shop," he said. "Our shop will fit into the precinct and tavern which will have high-end finishes and will be high class."

Construction work at the marina was halted due to restrictions but is still progressing with a much smaller workforce on site. The marina, tavern, dining precinct, public boat ramp and promenade is forecast to be completed for Spring this year however is subject to weather, and an opening date is yet to be confirmed.

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