Cantonese chef Gary Chan will open the Nine Chinese Seafood Restaurant in Sunnybank Hills

One of Brisbane’s most experienced Cantonese chefs is set to swing open the doors to a huge new restaurant on Brisbane’s southside.

More than 12 months since the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown hit, Brisbane’s Asian community’s renowned shopping and entertainment hub is getting back to business.

Scores of business have opened with one of Brisbane’s most experienced Cantonese chefs Gary Chan set to open the Nine Chinese Seafood Restaurant in a retail centre at 7-21 Farne St, behind Pinelands Plaza in Sunnybank Hills.

The 585sq m site had been empty since last year when Sichuan Spice Chinese Restaurant closed its doors. The new seven-year lease was struck by Lioncorp’s Joseph Miu.

Mr Chan, who started in the restaurant business as a nine-year-old in Hong Kong, said he was excited to have the opportunity to secure such a rare and large ground floor tenancy in a busy

catchment area.

The 39-year industry veteran is renowned for his traditional seafood and signature lobster dishes.

“We will be a family restaurant and cater for 300 diners and trade seven days a week,” he said.

Gary Chan and Joseph Miu at Nine Seafood Chinese Restaurant.

Mr Miu said the Sunnybank precinct has recovered from the Covid-19 lock downs and low set retail centres were particularly doing well,

He said he has completed 13 leases there in the past few months including Anytime Fitness securing 450sq m in the Farne St retail strip in space that was previously occupied by a karaoke bar.

“Some businesses couldn’t make it through Covid but overall it’s back to business as usual,” he said.

“What we’re finding is that many tenants are not considering Covid as an issue anymore in running a business. With all of my lease negotiations there’s no talk of Covid and trying to get a better rent and terms.”

The Nine Chinese Seafood Restaurant lease was struck at just under $600/sq m plus outgoings and GST.

The existing eight tenants in the Farne St property include Krazy Yoghurt, Mi Dam Korean Restaurant, Mobi Cafe and Sonder Dessert.

Mr Miu said business was also brisk in Pinelands Plaza.

“Anything that goes up with a sign it’s literally leased within a couple of weeks,” he said.

“I have just leased five tenancies In Pinelands and we have tenants ready to go in when some of the original businesses leave at the end of the year.”