The Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group had earlier decided to take on the kitchen and provide meals at the Gloucester Country Club.

Plans were in place for the March 25 opening of Bistro 2422 when the government imposed lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group decided to push on with the opening. "Our entire business model had to be completely revamped," team leader Erin Lute said.

The confusion of COVID-19 restrictions and constant alterations made things incredibly difficult, especially when they hadn't stocked for takeaway service and supplies were near impossible to get.

"It was really challenging to keep up with all the changes," Erin explained.

Thankfully the kitchen also doubles as Meals on Wheels kitchen and they were well equipped for delivering hot food.

Originally, Meals on Wheels meals were being freshly prepared at the organisation's Blueprint training kitchen, which also ran as a commercial venture offering breakfast and lunch service.

According to BWNG chief executive officer Anna Burley, when COVID-19 restrictions hit, the decision was made to close the public side of Blueprint in order to ensure the food prepared for Meals on Wheels remained safe.

"Meals on Wheels was our key focus and we needed to keep the operation separate to ensure the safety of our clients," Anna explained.

In May, Blueprint closed its premises completely due to increased costs and virtually all of its services have been transferred to Bistro 2422.

"We are still a training kitchen and we still have school-based trainees," Erin explained. "We operate Meals on Wheels during the day and the bistro at night."

By having the meals prepared at different times means they can keep the food separate, ensuring things are kept safe for their vulnerable clients.

So, not only did the staff undertake the opening of a new business under constantly changing restrictions, but they also had to relocate operations out of the Britton Street premises.

Through word-of-mouth, advertising in the newspaper and social media plugs the opening was a massive success. "We got absolutely slammed," Erin said.

By offering something different than other food outlets and trying to keep options budget friendly, the takeaway meals have been flying out the door.

But the reality of opening a new venture during a pandemic was absolutely "insane".

"The staff did amazing, exceptional, phenomenal work," Anna said. "Our staff have the knowledge and the assets, so we were able to cope."

When asked why they decided to continue with the opening given the circumstances, the simple response was that they were all stocked up and ready to go.

"We're really glad we did it and we are thankful for the community support," Erin said.

Since the restrictions have eased, people are now able to dine at the club, although the home delivery service they started isn't slowing down. And due to its popularity, it looks like that service will continue.

The group also relocated its food truck 'Bluey' to the golf club car park where they can offer coffee and breakfast service like they used to at Blueprint.