Pilpel to expand, despite COVID-19 downturn, with a new cafe at Newport

While most restaurants are downsizing or closing because of COVID-19 one Brisbane region chef is doing the opposite, with plans to open a new restaurant – complete with a “coronavirus menu” – even though it might cost more than it will make.

DESPITE the tough economic climate created by the COVID-19 pandemic a popular Redcliffe Peninsula business owner plans to expand and open a new cafe – it will be ready to open to next week.

Adiel Ben-Karmona has operated a range of restaurants on the Peninsula all called Pilpel, starting out with a pizza shop at Peninsula Fair Shopping Centre in 2008.

Last year he opened his latest venture inside the former Coles building at Creek St, Redcliffe.

The restaurant serves a range of Middle Eastern food for lunch and dinner. It is known for not having a dinner menu – guests just pay per head and share the range of tasty food delivered to their table.

Owner of Pilpel restaurant Adiel Ben-Karmona at his new restaurant in Redcliffe. Photo: AAP /Richard Walker

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Mr Ben-Karmona today announced he would open a second site, this time a cafe, in Stockland’s Newport estate at Lakeview Promenade, next week.

It follows the closure of the Izba Cafe, which has operated from Newport estate for four years.

Some of the Middle Eastern inspired food that will be available at Pilpel Express at Newport.

The new cafe will be called Pilpel Express and be open for takeaway and deliveries for breakfast and lunch – until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

The Pilpel restaurant will be open just for dinner.

“The people from Stockland called and asked me if I was interested in opening a cafe,” Mr Ben-Karmona said.

“I thought at the beginning, no, why, do I need that now,” he said.

But after giving it some thought he changed his mind, for two main reasons.

“Firstly I wanted to keep it open for the community. Izba was a great little cafe with great staff and customers,” Mr Ben-Karmona said.

“Second I want to keep all my staff employed, that was the two parameters.”

Mr Ben-Karmona said it was tough times for everyone at the moment.

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“But I am not complaining because I am not alone, everyone is doing it tough,” he said.

“Instead of stopping spending money, I am spending more. We need to keep the economy rolling.”

The experienced business owner has vowed to not let any staff go during these tough times – even if it means not making a profit.

In fact he is so determined to keep people in jobs he has proceeded with his plans to build a rooftop bar on top of the Redcliffe business.

“There is about 40 people working up there at the moment,” Mr Ben-Karmona said.

“I just want to keep moving forward.”

Mr Ben-Karmona has already made a number of changes to the cafe including the kitchen design.

There will be eight types of burger available at the new Pilpel Express.

He said the initial “coronavirus menu” would be different to what he served up once the restrictions were lifted.

“It will still be Middle Eastern with kofta, shish kebabs and eight types of burgers,” Mr Ben-Karmona said.

“There will be pizzas and pastas and salads.

“We will have vegan, gluten and dairy free options, so there will be something for everyone.”

The Peninsula resident said he had been blown away by the level of support shown by the local community.

“The love and support from the community in Redcliffe is amazing. We live in the best place in the world,” Mr Ben-Karmona said.

“They are not just doing it because they like the food, they are doing it because they care and want us to stay.

“It is a bad situation but I am taking the good and absolutely loving it.”

Pilpel Express is expected to open next week.

To keep up to date search Pilpel Express on Facebook.