Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Diner opens for business following lockdown delay
JUDITH TONNER
A Coatbridge diner tasted success as staff and customers finally enjoyed its delayed opening day.
Firehouse Grill has relocated to Main Street in the town centre, expanding from its previous takeawayonly premises at Dundyvan industrial estate – with owner Christopher O’Neill having picked up the keys in early March, just before lockdown.
Staff were able to welcome their first sit- in customers at the new restaurant last week, and celebrated with a special event featuring live performances from local musician Cutchy Cash and an official opening ceremony carried out by “hugely impressed” Fulton MacGregor, the Coatbridge MSP.
Passers- by were treated to free samples of the burger menu at the American-style diner – while there was also a £500 donation to the young footballers of Dunbeth boys’ club.
Christopher said: “We took over the premises on March 9 and had intended opening the whole thing that month – we were able to open the takeaway later in March but obviously the sit-in part was delayed until July.
“We have six booths and quickly arranged to put screens in everywhere; and every table has a QR code to be scanned with a phone for track and trace details.
“The names and numbers are stored securely and if for any reason there are later reports of a customer having had symptoms, we can message everyone who was in on that date.
“I didn’t know how it would go when we opened up as restaurants had been closed for so long, but we’ve been really busy which has been great. It was a difficult time to move to new premises but we’re really pleased to be in our new diner.”