Community & Business
28 May, 2026
Hailstorm not finished with Clifton
The impact of the November 1 hailstorm last year is still being felt by many homeowners and businesses across the Clifton district and we’re about to feel what will probably be the biggest impact yet: our local supermarket - FoodWorks - will be forced to dramatically cut trading hours while contractors replace the roof of the building.
FoodWorks Clifton owner Sameer Bhathal, was devastated when he was told the business would have to close for the duration of the repairs.
This could have been as long as 50 days, depending on weather conditions during the time the repairs are being undertaken.
Even so, if all goes well, it is anticipated that the work could take as long as three or four weeks to complete.
Mr Bhathal was told the proposed closure was necessary for the safety of staff and customers
However, he was not prepared to take it lying down and called a meeting with his insurers and the contractors which resulted in an agreement that the supermarket could open, albeit on a very restricted basis.
The roof replacement project is scheduled to begin on the 15th of June.
No one will be permitted to be inside the building while the work is occurring.
WEEK DAY TRADING HOURS
Contractors have agreed to finish work each day by 4pm.
FoodWorks will then open for four hours - closing at 8pm each day Monday to Friday.
Trading hours on Saturdays and Sundays will be normal - 7am to 7pm.
Mr Bhathal said he is concerned across a number of areas.
He has talked with staff members explaining the issues the store will face.
“Staff are ready to support me,” he said.
“We’ll try to do our best.
“We will look after our customers.
“Unfortunately it’s out of my hands.”
Mr Bhathal said he doesn’t want to lose staff as a result of the forced restriction on trading hours.
He said he plans to engage all staff during the four hours the supermarket is open each day Monday to Friday.
There is a possibility that the opening hours could be extended to 9pm on some days if the demand is there, but there is an appreciation that staff need their family time in the evenings, so this will not happen initially.
Mr Bhathal said during the time the store is open during the week days all three tills will be operating so that there will be no hold-up for customers.
He encouraged customers to plan their shopping.
Those who have a habit of dropping in for small purchases from time to time may need to ensure that they purchase all of their needs during one trip.
Unfortunately it will be necessary to close the car park while the work is being carried out.
During the first few weeks, it will not be possible for hot food to be prepared Monday to Friday.
However cold barbecue chickens will be available.
Normal hot food services will be available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Mr Bhathal has been talking with suppliers to ensure that the flow of fresh products such as bread, fruit and vegetables will continue to be available for customers throughout the week.
“We will need customer support,” Mr Bhathal said.
“We will need support from the community.”
“I want to personally apologise for the inconvenience,” he said.
HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
FoodWorks is one of the busiest businesses in Clifton and there is concern among other business operators in the town that the forced closure may have an impact community-wide.
Several have expressed the hope that locals will understand the situation and throw their support behind FoodWorks during what will be a difficult time.
As the major retail outlet in Clifton, the store is something of a social hub as well as an essential service.
A focus by all local residents on supporting FoodWorks and all other local businesses will help sustain the community.
To keep the local community informed The Clifton Courier will be providing weekly updates on the progress of work at the supermarket and any changes as they occur.
