What’s delaying Simon Gloftis’s new Fortitude Valley eatery

He’s called it his “passion project”, but now the latest eatery from the man behind Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster has been delayed.

POPULAR Brisbane restaurateur Simon Gloftis has had his “dream” new venture delayed, with the opening of vegetarian eatery Sunshine now pushed back until next year.

The 80-seat Mediterranean restaurant along Fortitude Valley’s prestigious James St has been held up by Covid-related building delays, with contractors unable to source materials.

“When people were telling me about delays with building because of Covid I kind of didn’t believe them, but it’s true,” said Mr Gloftis, who described Sunshine as a “passion project” five years in the making.

Restaurateur Simon Gloftis outside the old Chow House site where his new restaurant Sunshine will open on James St. Picture: John Gass

The owner of successful Fortitude Valley restaurants Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster said work was currently under way on the internals of the new indoor-outdoor space that previously housed Chow House in front of the Palace Cinemas, but a lack of construction materials meant opening was now most likely to be late January.

The supply issues have plagued both the commercial and residential building sectors this year, spurred by people investing in home renovations instead of international travel, a worldwide shortage of shipping containers and the black summer bushfires destroying softwood plantations.

The material delays, as well as struggles importing goods from overseas because of the pandemic, have played havoc with restaurant openings this year, with the newly opened Gemelli in Fortitude Valley and Paella Y Pa’ Mi in Brisbane’s Camp Hill just two of myriad restaurants that had their launches pushed back.

When Mr Gloftis’s fast-casual Sunshine is completed, it will offer cabinets full of vegetarian and vegan Mediterranean fare, including stuffed tomatoes, baked potatoes, vegetable moussaka, soups and salads; as well as desserts such as bougatsa, walnut cake and Turkish delight.

“My plan is to open a beautifully appointed, perfectly presented yet relaxed eatery,” he said.

Sunshine will be built for dine-in and takeaway, with counter service and a ­global wine list and light and bright cocktail offering.