Dutton Park’s Ribbetts restaurant resumed by state government

An iconic all-you-can-eat dining institution is being evicted after over 40 years to make way for Brisbane’s new inner-south high school.

AFTER 40 years on Annerley Rd, Dutton Park dining institution Ribbetts has been given just eight weeks to find a new home.

The blunt eviction notice was delivered to founder Gary Hall a week ago, when he learned his beloved restaurant was to be resumed for space to build Brisbane’s newest high school.

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Property resumptions have earned a reputation as profitable exercises for landowners forced to forfeit their property to the state.

Unfortunately for Ribbetts and their loyal customers, it is unlikely any influx in capital will arrive in time to finance the opening of a new location, forcing a shutdown.

“I personally feel it’s a mistake. I just can’t believe it. It’s insane!” Mr Hall said.

“In most resumptions you’d get a year or two or perhaps even more to reorganise your life.

“I’m telling you, it is totally impossible to secure a premises and relocate in eight weeks.

“You couldn’t even settle a property in that time frame and they want vacant possession on the first day of July.”

Owner Gary Hall outside the iconoic Ribbett's restaurant. Picture: Tara Croser

The demand to vacate the property has coincided with the unveiling of the Inner City South State Secondary College’s master plan for public scrutiny last week.

Ribbetts’ site, on the corner of Grantham St and Annerley Rd, will host the school’s Creative Hub, housing facilities for visual arts, music, performing arts and multimedia.

“I can’t see the point in trying to fight it because you’re not going to beat the Government,” Mr Hall said. “You’ll just end up wasting money, and I don’t want to fight with them to be honest.

“I’d hate to get in the way of progress and I do think we’ll come back bigger and better but they must have known they needed me out more than a week ago.”

Keeping his long-serving staff employed over the turbulent coming months will be among Mr Hall’s primary concerns.

Mr Hall, 68, has seen plenty of changes in the suburb over the years.

Zack Pham, Harsha Paryana and Brant Fahey eating at Ribbett's Restaurant which has been an institution in Dutton Park for 40 years. Picture: Tara Croser

His proximity to the Dutton Park’s famous jail meant colourful characters were in no short supply through his doors.

“There’s been so much history with this place. When we started here Dutton Park wasn’t the sort of place you’d walk your dog after dark but you’ve only got to look at it now,” he said.

Education Minister Grace Grace yesterday confirmed that negotiations to acquire six additional properties, including Ribbetts, had commenced last week after master planning identified a need.

“The Department of Education hopes to take possession of the site by the end of July at the latest so construction can commence and the school can welcome its first students in 2021,” Ms Grace said.

She said at the time of the announcement a “targeted letterbox drop was conducted to the properties in the immediate area providing information about the project”.