Copperhouse and Bullocks Bistro lead YK restaurant closures

Yellowknife’s Copperhouse closed its restaurant and lounge on Tuesday afternoon, saying instead it would offer “touchless takeout” via its drive-through window.

Later on Tuesday, Bullocks Bistro – the city’s famed fish-and-chip restaurant – said it, too, would close from Thursday onward “after much consideration.”

Bullocks’ owners wrote on Facebook: “We have decided to close the Bistro. We have little room for social distancing in our dining and work area so we feel it is necessary to take actions sooner rather than later.”

Saying “the world needs a little space right now,” Copperhouse owners said their drive-through would offer a 15-percent discount to all hospital staff, “who we know are working incredibly hard to care for our community.”

The takeout window will operate from 11:45am until 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

The Flavour Trader restaurant in Yellowknife’s museum has also closed by virtue of the museum itself shutting down until further notice. On Tuesday morning, the Woodyard pub announced it would shut down and review the situation next Monday.

“Understanding the importance of social distancing, we are supporting this worldwide effort by temporarily closing the restaurant and lounge to the public,” Copperhouse management said by email on Tuesday.

“Our staff are at greater risk of transmission of the Covid-19 pandemic when it reaches the North. They are in direct physical contact with members of the public and people traveling from affected areas, including international travellers.

“The decision to close was in part to protect our staff. Unfortunately it also impacts their ability to earn an income. We are working with Service Canada to understand how they can be supported during this interim period.”