The closure of the Bendigo Health cafeteria on Friday marked the end of an era for workers, some of whom had worked there for more than 20 years. 

Melbourne-based company Zouki was awarded a 10-year contract to operate all retail outlets inside the new hospital.

No local businesses submitted a proposal to take on the lease.

Bendigo Health chief executive officer John Mulder thanked staff for their many years of dedicated service.

“The cafe is much more than a retail outlet,” he said.

“Staff often became a safe source of understanding and comfort for patients.

“Chronically ill patients who have frequent appointments, such as our dialysis patients, are well known to the cafe staff and they share the ups and downs of their treatment journey.”

As well as being a public face of the hospital, Mr Mulder said the cafe staff were some of Bendigo Health’s best ambassadors and supporters. 

“The cafeteria has always been very supportive of our Foundation as well as our auxiliaries,” he said.

“They facilitate raffle ticket sales and for three years one of the staff members has taken part in Dry July to raise funds for cancer services at the hospital.

“All of the staff were offered roles in the new hospital and I want to wish them well and look forward to seeing their smiling faces across the road.”

Bendigo Health director of corporate support service Geoff Cook acknowledged it was a time of mixed feelings, with sadness at saying goodbye and excitement for the future. 

“We always tried to work with local suppliers where possible and I am pleased both Zouki and Spotless will continue this tradition,” he said. 

He too thanked the staff for their contribution to the success of the service during the many years of operation, making special mention of the outgoing coffee shop supervisor, Leanne Elvey.

Mr Cook, who oversaw the management of the cafeteria, said she had had been “integral in the delivery of a professional, high-quality operation where customer service was at the heart of everything the staff did.”