THE Cheesecake Shop is the latest multinational company to set its eyes on Bathurst, with the business about to open in the city.
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Contractors have been onsite at the shop's Durham Street location, undertaking the fit-out for the past few weeks.
On Wednesday morning the shop's signs were revealed, with tradies still working on the internal fit-out during the afternoon.
The Bathurst franchise will operate from the former Little Caesars Pizza shop, near the United Petrol Station.
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Little Caesars store closed its doors in September last year after only nine months of operation, and the site has remained empty since.
A spokesperson from a neighbouring franchise of The Cheesecake Shop was unable to confirm when the store would open, only that the fit-out for the shop was underway.
Bathurst Business Chamber president, Catherine Fitzsimons, said while it was positive the city was attracting multi-national companies such as Taco Bell and The Cheesecake Shop, she said it was important the city continued to develop it's reputation as a destination, not just a corridor for takeaway food and coffee as visitors drive through the city.
"There are always two sides to the Bathurst story.
"Yes it is great news (the business is opening).
"But at the same time other businesses in town are struggling and a lot of premises are vacant.
"The retail and hospitality industry are struggling from the necessary restrictions imposed by Covid-19, so until they are up and back running, it is hard for them."
"So it is bittersweet."
Having said that she said there is plenty of confidence in the Bathurst economy, seen in the opening of the new Harvey Norman site, and the construction of a new petrol station in Kelso.
"But we (Bathurst) don't want to be the main thoroughfare as visitors make their way to Orange, adding despite an influx of visitors out west, Bathurst venues haven't been booked out the way Orange and Mudgee have.
She said the city typically relies on events such as the races and Winter Festival to get people here, which this year hasn't been able to happen.
Ms Fitzsimons said the knock on effect of this to the hospitality industry was the challenge, and businesses need council to help re-position and re-brand the city as a destination, not just somewhere to drive through en route to other locations.
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