Mercure Rockhampton owner Tom Wang reveals plans to reopen restaurant to guests, public

A popular Rockhampton restaurant that has been closed for many years is undergoing renovations ahead of a reopening to the public. See photos and a video from inside here.

An iconic Rockhampton restaurant is in the midst of some grand renovations with plans to reopen for the first time in more than five years.

The Riverside Restaurant at Mercure Hotel, formerly TraveLodge, has hosted many weddings, events, birthdays, family dinners and special occasions over the decades.

Private Chinese investment group, the 50 Group, bought the property in February 2019 for $6.5 million.

It is the company’s only hotel property in its portfolio.

Mercure Rockhampton, owner Tom Wang.

At the time of the 2019 purchase, the restaurant had been closed for some time, having shut around late 2015, as the then owners were based in Sydney and it wasn’t their main focus.

Tom Wang from the 50 Group has been spending some more time in Rockhampton over the last couple of months and got talking to locals and guests, all who were asking him to reopen the restaurant.

“This restaurant used to be one of the best in the town,” he said.

“Life is going back to normal and we are constantly having good occupancy from the hotel.

“I think it is the right time to get the restaurant reopened, not only to catering to our in-house guests but also our opening to the public.”

The restaurant is being renovated to be reopened to the public.

Work has also been underway at the hotel itself.

“We have been replacing all of the beds, mattresses, TVs and some of the joinery, cupboards, throughout all of the 74 rooms, and new carpet in all corridors and function rooms,” Mr Wang said.

The hotel hosts 80 per cent corporate guests during the week and some families on weekends.

New flooring and lighting has been put in.

Diners could also come from the nearby apartment blocks including Quest, The Edge and Empire Apartment Hotel.

“It’s not only the people staying with us,” Mr Wang said.

“Within a 2km range, you have 450 rooms combined from all of the accommodation provided.”

The restaurant would ideally serve breakfast and offer dinner.

“I believe what has been missing out from the hotel currently is the buffet breakfast,” he said.

The view of the Fitzroy River from the balcony of the restaurant.

The 120-space restaurant overlooking the Fitzroy River is now a construction site, as new flooring has been put in, new paint, lighting and a long eight-metre cabinet.

Expressions of interest are now open for an experienced operator to lease the restaurant space.

Mr Wang is also open to options of working with a lease or running the restaurant internally.