Leo, Piper and Patrick Reynolds hopped into the Easter spirit on Monday by sampling some of Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie’s delicious creations.
But the coronavirus crisis has hit the business hard, slashing revenue by 90 per cent and forcing owners Ian and Leanne Neeland to lay off 65 “hardworking and devoted” staff.
Mrs Neeland described the decision as “heartbreaking” but hoped federal government’s planned JobKeeper allowance would enable them to bring some employees back.
The business had adapted to ‘click and collect’ orders and deliveries during what was normally its busiest time of the year, she said.
The chocolaterie was sending out more than 100 orders to “loyal customers” and many planned tour groups had “very kindly” accepted vouchers instead of refunds, Mrs Neeland said.
“We’re just overwhelmed with their support.”
