The Australian-Italo Club in North Lismore has finally re-opened after months of closure.

Italo Club president Americo Melchoir said the club officially reopened last Friday, but they “didn’t want to make a big fuss out of the first night”.

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“Last night was our third big night and we got good numbers,” Americo said. “We had 35 people – that’s not bad for having been closed so long.

“We have a new chef – Dallas – who is the same chef who makes the food at East Lismore Bowling Club.

“People will be coming back because his food is good – the T-bone steaks are amazing.”

Americo said the club is “back to normal” and has beer on tap again, with five varieties available and there are plans to sell martinis and cocktails.

“We are going to get training soon so we know how to make them well,” he said. “I’m in the process of buying the equipment so we can do it."

The Italo Club will be open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 4pm.

Merger

Americo said the merger of the Italo Club with the Sydney-based Club Marconi is still going ahead, but that it will be a long process until it is finalised.

“It will take another two to three months until the legals are sorted,” he said. "It’s early stages yet.”

Club Marconi stepped in earlier this year with an offer to take on the Italo Club and save it from certain closure, after Covid forced the club to shut down. 

The process of taking the merger to completion has been slowed by the Sydney Covid outbreaks - which impacted on the ability of Club Marconi officials to travel to Lismore and work with the local management. 

“I’m happy about the future of the club – everything is looking good and I think we’ll make it,” Americo said. 

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