When the lockdown hit and forced a new business into shutting just one day after opening its doors, the Wagga Smash Shack owner let it out on some glass bottles and plates.
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But after breaking some items, the stress eased, and Nathaniel Raine decided to use the lockdown to take the feedback from his first customers and improve the experience.
After restrictions eased on September 11, Mr Raine was able to open up the Smash Shack again to his relief.
"It has been awesome," he said.
"I have been a bit nervous, but all the people we have had so far have given us positive feedback.
"I am taking it one day at a time at the moment, but I think that is like every small business."
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Mr Raine said that while there were some nerve-wracking moments, he and his partner decided to remain as positive as possible.
They were eligible for some support payments, which eased the burden, and Mr Raine decided there was no point in being miserable about the situation.
"As I said at the very start, I think I would regret this if I didn't give it a go and give it my all," he said.
"So you just have to work with what you have got and make the best out of a challenging situation.
"The people that had been before might see some different things now."
Mr Raine said it had been great to finally share the experience with Wagga, as he has believed in the business' potential for a long time.
He said it was funny to see how different people approached the smash room.
"The common theme is, because you can hear it, the first one or two bottles will normally bounce a little because people are a bit hesitant," Mr Raine said.
"They feel like they are not allowed to be doing it but then once they get the hang of it and get into the swing of things, and they go hard.
"The favourite thing seems to be the plates. It's satisfying seeing those break. They come out looking quite happy."
Mr Raine said that while nothing is certain during a pandemic, he was appreciative that he could open his business.
"We have had some great support from families and friends in particular," he said
"Bringing something new to the city has been something I have wanted to do for a while, and I hope people get around it so we can be a fixture for Wagga."
For more information about the Wagga Smash Shack, click here.
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