Waterfront Seafood Bar & Grill among recent CQ restaurant closures

Food lovers across Rockhampton and Yeppoon have been shocked to hear the news of sudden closures of a handful of beloved restaurants in the past few weeks. See the list.

Waterfront Seafood Bar & Grill on Yeppoon Esplanade.

A beachfront restaurant at Yeppoon is the latest in a string of sudden hospitality business closures across the region in the past few weeks.

Waterfront Seafood Bar & Grill below Echelon Apartments on the Yeppoon foreshore appears to have suddenly closed its doors, with the property shut up this week and its Facebook page deleted.

A review was shared to popular Facebook page Rockhampton Food Rater from a customer who had an “absolutely amazing dinner” on Sunday night, raving that the Barramundi was one of the best they’d ever had.

Little did they know, it would likely be the last time they would dine there, as the business was closed from Monday.

The restaurant opened in April 2021 with Jason Watkins at the helm.

Rockhampton businessman Gavin Shuker was also originally involved when it opened however he parted ways with the restaurant in July last year.

The restaurant’s online booking system is still active and is taking bookings.

Waterfront Seafood Bar & Grill on Yeppoon Esplanade.

The Yeppoon business closure joins a number of recent sudden closures in Rockhampton.

Blue Leaf Takeaway in East Street, a popular option for CBD workers with grab and go and hot box options, closed in February and has been listed for sale.

The owners have been selling off equipment from the cafe on social media.

Dingles Cafe

Trendy breakfast and lunch venue Dingles Cafe Bar on William Street announced its immediate closure on February 18, shocking customers.

“After much consideration and reflection, we would like to announce the closing of Dingles Rockhampton,” a Facebook post read.

“We have been proud to serve our customers and community over the years and have had a lot of fun doing it.

“We are very grateful for the memories and relationships we have formed along the way.

“Huge thank you to our team, customers, partners and suppliers for their continued support and loyalty, we couldn’t have done this without you.

“We will always remain proud of what we have accomplished here as we move onto new ventures.

“Wishing everyone continued success and happiness in the future.

“All the best Ed, George and Millie.”

The cafe, which opened in 2017 had a good reputation in the food scene and it was often quite hard to snag a table on a Saturday or Sunday.

An existing Rockhampton business owner is looking at taking over the lease and movement is expected on that venture in the next few weeks.

When Jolt Bakery Cafe was in operation the veranda of the building was filled with outdoor tables and chairs. It has now been vacant for months.

Back in the CBD, Jolt Bakery Cafe at the old Post Office has been closed since November.

The cafe owner, George Pezaros, is waiting for the Victorian-based landlord to carry out repairs needed to comply with a health department notice, and doesn’t know if and when he will be able to reopen.

In more positive news, a sushi cafe, Yoxi Sushi, has opened in Gracemere Shoppingworld this week.