When it reopened its doors after months of lockdown Wales was still stifling in the summer of Covid.
But the devastating effect of the global pandemic on this country's hospitality industry would turn out to be far from the biggest challenge facing The Deck in Penarth Marina.
Indeed, in the fortnight following that relaunch in August, the blighted restaurant bar both went up in flames and had its roof blown off in the gale force winds of Storm Francis.
Since then it's been shrouded in scaffolding as repair work was carried out ahead of the moment when it could finally welcome paying customers once again.
And that big night was originally scheduled to happen on Saturday, December 12, until one member of staff tested positive for coronavirus.
That person then had to self-isolate, while the Track and Trace system was used to inform those with whom they'd been in direct contact, while a new reopening date was set for Sunday, December 20.
However, that has now been pushed back yet again, with The Deck's owner Philip Lay today making the announcement of yet another delay.
"It is with a very heavy heart that we have decided to put off our relaunch of The Deck until further notice," he posted on Facebook, citing as the reason the Welsh Government's latest Covid regulations - that all hospitality premises will close from 6pm on Christmas Day ahead of the stay-at-home Level Four lockdown which begins on Monday, December 28.
"Rather frustratingly, the restaurant is looking great with some swanky new furnishings; the shiny new toilets are sparkling and ready to go, the kitchen is set with food in the fridges and our 'non-alcohol compliant' bar is full of great new products.
"But we will now have to spend a couple of days wrapping it all up for Christmas and prepare to unwrap it as soon as we are permitted in the New Year."
He added that 2020 had taught him and his team "an awful lot" about managing their way through unforeseen challenges.
"Whilst the Covid issues have been bad enough, combine that with the catastrophic fire after two weeks of being open and it has been almost unbearable.
"So to then be shut down again just as you are trying to relaunch the business feels almost like a conspiracy."
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In the meantime, Philip and his staff have continued to operate until recently in the form of The Jetty Bar, an outdoor waterside marquee serving food and drink, situated adjacent to The Deck itself.
"I am so proud of the team," he said. "They are desperate to get back to doing what they love to do, creating memories for our customers.
"They have remained loyal to the company, working in very challenging conditions for the last couple of months.
"And they will now have to sit it out for a little longer."
