OPINION: Don’t blame light rail for failed businesses

Blaming light rail works for business failures is a weak excuse when other factors are at play, writes Ann Wason Moore.

While light rail construction has created literal road blocks for business, it seems some traders might be missing a trick.

In fact, perhaps the greatest damage inflicted during the stage three build has been the economic excuse manufactured by this infrastructure.

Now, that is not to deny the very real accessibility challenges faced by businesses due to road works and loss of parking, but how to explain the tale of two traders at one of the most affected corners on the Gold Coast?

The junction of Wave Street and the Gold Coast Highway was the host of vegan restaurant I Like Ramen for four years before the owners announced they were closing in 2023, citing light rail construction as the final nail in the coffin after suffering during the Covid pandemic.

That same site is now occupied by The Holliday Coffee, owned by Marcus Wilkins of Nook Espresso fame and fiancee Olivia Ayres, and the venue could not be busier – even as light rail construction continues.

Every single day, the wide footpath that stretches along its Wave Street-frontage is standing room only, with many a walker taking to the street for some space, such is the popularity of the cafe.

Marcus Wilkins and Olivia Ayres at The Holliday Coffee. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

And it’s not just The Holliday that is a hit, iconic bakery Foster’s consistently boasts a line at its counter, as well as Alfred’s Apartment next door, Moustache a few doors down and, of course, The Oxley with its cafe, eateries and high-brow restaurants like Sueno and Norte.

So what’s the difference between the fate of I Like Ramen and The Holliday?

Hint: It’s not the light rail.

Indeed, Nobby’s hospitality legend Scott Imlach said it best after he briefly opened and closed his own restaurant, Okinawa House, in that same spot:

“We simply got the model wrong,” Mr Imlach said.

While Mr Imlach told the Bulletin this week he was concerned about the impending loss of 38 parking spaces in the Nobby’s precinct, he said the area was experiencing a surge of success.

And he said his own ‘baby’ Bine Bar would never leave the neighbourhood.

“Nobby has become the new Broadbeach and Burleigh mecca for dining,” he said.

“There are so many options which is great. It is no longer the sleepy joe neighbourhood it once was.”

Scott Imlach says Nobby Beach “has become the new Broadbeach and Burleigh mecca for dining”. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Even James Tantis-Hall, owner of now-closed roofless rooftop bar Tropic Vice and restaurant Zephyr, blamed the rain rather than the light rail for the venues’ fate.

Mr Tantis-Hall, who sold Tropic Vice to someone who planned on putting a roof over it, said while he was ready for a change, the Nobby precinct was “evolving” for the better.

“The significant effects of the rain over the past three years, especially over the summer period, just took its toll,” he said.

“(But) everything needs to evolve and Nobby is going in the right direction for that.”

The truth seems to be that if the business is solid, it will survive - even in the midst of light rail construction.

Those that have folded tend to have an underlying issue - whether it’s the wrong business model or lack of roof in a rainy season.

Light rail works at Burleigh. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Look, it’s not the easiest business climate out there - between high rents, consumers with low confidence and continuing cost of living concerns, it’s easy to see how light rail construction could be the last straw. But something must be going wrong already.

Besides, perhaps some businesses are simply not taking advantage of the opportunities these challenges present.

For example, speaking to a light rail worker this week, he said he could not believe how few of the eateries along the stage three stretch took advantage of the hordes of workers operating at all hours.

“Night shift starts at 8pm and nothing is open, there are hundreds of us who would love to grab a burger for smoko but there’s nothing there,” he said.

“It makes you wonder why they don’t roster on a couple extra workers to keep the doors open til 10pm. We’re not picky - you can microwave a sausage roll and we’ll be happy.

“As for the day shifts, I actually wonder how a lot of these places will go once we’re gone, they’ve had a constant stream of customers thanks to us.

“The only businesses we’ve seen shut down are the ones that aren’t really offering what anyone wants - men’s vintage clothing and record shops. It’s a stretch to say that’s the light rail’s fault.”

Originally published as OPINION: Don’t blame light rail for failed businesses