16/01/2021
Who could have imagined that the world would face such challenges and for so long? The pandemic has caused a financial crisis that has affected so many, destroying businesses, decimating incomes and leaving many not knowing how they will survive.
Dom Carlos Restaurant has enjoyed success for well over twenty years and has survived through recessions and other difficulties over that time. Never before has it faced a crisis on the level of Covid.
Johann and I are doing all we can to protect the future of our business and that of the restaurant so many have come to love. We will remain closed until such time that operating becomes viable as this is the only way we can minimise our costs. Bills still need to be paid of course but so far, we have managed to keep our heads above water. We really don't know what the future holds but we are doing all we can to get through this and welcome you back once again.
Over the years, Dom Carlos earned itself a fantastic reputation and a lasting top spot on TripAdvisor. Clients visited DC because of the warm welcome and wonderful service they received from Peter and Ana. Johann and I knew that no matter what we did, we would never quite be able to replicate that. We had to find our own way and establish our own identity. Doing so would not happen over night and we knew it would take some time. We were also mindful that taking over and bringing in drastic and immediate changes would alienate many of our existing clients, so, we kept things much the same for the first season and made subtle changes in the following year. In preparation for opening in 2020 we invested in new kitchen equipment and refurbished the restaurant interior. We took the decision to move away from the 5 course set menu as it had become clear that the changes and evolution of cuisine and restaurant dining brought about different expectations from diners. We were excited to begin a new chapter for DC, our chapter but then disaster struck. Fear, panic, restrictions and lockdown hit us hard. 2020 became a total write off as it did for so many.
Johann and I are hopeful that the situation will improve as the months go on and that the Algarve once again becomes a busy hub of summertime activity providing custom for the many businesses that are hanging by a thread right now. We pray that all of our customers, new and old, remain safe and well. For now, we must abide by the restrictions and do our part to keep one another safe. Better times will come and we will again be able to laugh, joke and enjoy life. We hope to be able to create some of those wonderful moments for you at Dom Carlos Restaurant in the not so distant future.
Paul & Johann