QHA_Sep-2020_Online

FEATURE
Apollonian Hotel, Boreen Point
“When Covid restrictions hit, our lessee at the time
closed the doors and basically walked away,” Lou
said.
“We bought out the remaining lease and took over
renovations and operations in mid June. “With
great support from the local community, we hit the
ground running but it has been very difficult and
challenging to say the least. Opening with only two
remaining staff, no tills, stock or platform, it was a
little challenging.
“The family has done well to put in the ensuing hours
and get the show on the road and we have great
staff members now and are enjoying the rejuvenation
of the business and establishing community spirit
back into our town.”
The hotel’s famous Sunday spit roasts are yet to
return but the couple have discovered another gem
for their menu which is sure to be a hit with locals
and visitors.
“So while the spit roast is not currently available we
have a wonderful array of smoked meats ranging
from Jumbo Chicken wings, Pulled Pork and
Brisket Burgers which we’ve been able to serve to
our Sunday customers among other meals.”
Like the Apollonian, if ever a hotel needed to
reinvent itself to keep business afloat, this year
has definitely been the time, and as hoteliers were
prompted to think outside the box, that’s exactly
what Toowoomba’s The Southern Hotel did.
Known for its mouthwatering meals, The Southern
Hotel reinvented the business model from a bistro
within a hotel into a takeaway restaurant. With
a kitchen busy with seven chefs under normal
circumstances, hotel owner Richard Bowly was
faced with the heartbreak of having to let not only
his chefs go but also his staff.
QHA REVIEW | 49