Wilson’s Boathouse seafood restaurant future in doubt

An award-winning seafood restaurant that has operated for 17 years on Brisbane’s bayside is facing an uncertain future after a controversial move by the State Government.

THE owner of an award-winning Bayside restaurant who has poured hundreds of thousands of dollars improving the property over the years fears he may have close down after the State Government put the leasehold of the site on the open market.

Neil Jedid, who has operated Wilson’s Boathouse seafood restaurant for 17 years, said he faces an uncertain future because of the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ (TMR) long-term refusal to grant him a suitable lease.

Wilson’s Boathouse back bigger and better with more future plans

Angelina Jolie ate lunch at Brisbane restaurant Wilson's Boathouse during whirlwind visit to Australia

Wilson's Boathouse

Instead, he claims while other business on Manly Harbour have been granted long-term leases his restaurant has missed out and has been existing on a month-by-month lease for years.

“It’s been horrendous for our business,” he said.

“Our biggest fear is that we have to close down and throw all these people out of work. We have 15 staff and we want to employ more but if we’re forced to close down I worry about their futures.”

Neil Jedid at Wilson’s Boathouse in Manly. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

The restaurant which has hosted celebrities from around the world including Angelina Jolie, recently won the Queensland Formal Seafood Restaurant for Excellence and the National Gold award for excellence in Formal Seafood by the Restaurant and Catering Association.

Mr Jedid said he has not “structurally” changed the building but improved it over the years after what he said was encouragement from TMR.

In August he reopened the restaurant after another renovation.

“But if you spend money on TMR land they own it,” he said.

The Hervey Bay garlic prawns at Wilson’s Boathouse. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

A TMR spokeswoman the department is required to act commercially to achieve the best possible outcome for Queensland taxpayers.

“We need to have a long-term approach to Manly Boat Harbour management. That’s why we are running an open-market expression of interest for the Wilson’s Boathouse property,” she said.

“The campaign will enable TMR to test market interest in leasing the site, including use, term of lease and rent payable.

“The existing tenant was not encouraged to renovate the property and will be able to participate in the EOI (expressions of interest) process, as will any other interested party.”

The EOI will close on January/February next year.

Mr Jedid said the local community was rallying behind him and they have 500 signatures on a petition and he expects many more to sign up.

On Saturday they will rally at a BBQ with money raised going to the Wynnum-Manly Juniors.