OWNER of town square cafe The Deli, Julie Murphy, celebrates her first year in business tomorrow and said she’s been overwhelmed with local community’s support throughout her 12 months.
Ms Murphy recently extended her premises to include the neighbouring shop which is now a dining room and function space, as well as offering outdoor seating in the courtyard to replace the dining space out the front which has been scaled back while the town square redevelopment takes place.
“People come in and say, this lady at the gift shop down the street sent us here to support you” she said. “It’s just beautiful!”
Ms Murphy said the town square redevelopment initially gave her cause for concern as her sidewalk overlooking the square was the most popular dine in space in the cafe.
“I was worried when they put up the fences that it would be the end of it” she said.
“I had a very quiet two days and I was a nervous wreck, but then we shared some photos of the courtyard on social media and word of mouth spread, and people started coming in and really loved it.”
Ms Murphy said was inspired by the courtyard space after attending several evening functions in the space hosted by the Broken Hill Art Exchange.
“I always loved the courtyard and though it could be utilised nicely, it’s really pretty all lit up at night” she said.
“The response has blown me away. I didn’t realise it would be patronised as well as it is. It’s extremely popular, visitors love it.”
With plans to host events in the courtyard in the evening throughout summer, Ms Murphy said there’s some different things in the works.
“Tapas nights or something along those lines” she said.
The new dining room can seat about 20 people and Ms Murphy said she hopes it will be used as a function space that can be booked out for brunches.
In the lead up to Christmas, Ms Murphy said she would love to see local people continuing to support local business, especially in light of the recent power outages that have taken a financial toll.
“It would be really nice to encourage locals to spend their dollars here in Broken Hill,” she said.
“If you can support your retailers or your coffee shops or pubs, it’s a good thing to do.
“And in return these businesses employ local people, and sponsor sporting clubs or support local schools. It all stays in the community.”
