Fremantle Corona Diaries. Maria Pizzale, boss, Capri Restaurant, Fremantle. “Of course we have never been through anything like this,” says Maria of the situation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. “Even during the war things were open – life had to continue, people had to work. However, the quiet streets at night do remind me of Fremantle in the 50s and early 60s. Once the pubs closed at 7.30pm, the streets were deserted. The restaurant also closed at 7.30pm so there was more family time.” Just like so many businesses, @caprirestaurantfremantle has adapted to the current climate and remains open for takeaway meals. The hardest part has been standing down staff. “Once you join the Capri family, you become ‘family’, so it is difficult emotionally,” says Maria’s granddaughter Olivia Pizzale-Bryce, who started washing dishes at the Capri when she was 13. “We have had to really embrace social media in order to stay on people's radar. People have had to change their spending habits and getting takeaway has become a bit of a luxury. They might not be able to afford it this week, but next week they might be able to. So, we want our customers to remember us. The important thing for us is that we are staying afloat – not doing great things, but not going under either. And for that we are grateful.” @visitfremantle #georginabarkerphotography #caprirestaurant #italianrestaurant #fremantle #fremantlerestaurant #familybusiness #fremantlestory #thisisfremantle #visitfremantle #infreo #lovefreo #supportlocal #coronadiaries #covid19 (at Fremantle, Western Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Eog4FjYBB/?igshid=9q1xcofa9427
