Moving feast: Shakeup for island restaurants ahead of holidays
The face of Straddie’s dining scene has undergone a mega shakeup in recent months, with visitors returning to the island in for some big surprises. SEE WHAT HAS CHANGED
Redlands Coast
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The face of dining on North Stradbroke Island is morphing as multiple restaurants change hands.
More than 5000 people are expected to fill hotels and holiday homes across the island these school holidays and Straddie Chamber of Commerce chairman Col Battersby says they can expect to come across some changes when it comes to food.
Just weeks ago newcomers Straddie Cafe and Bar opened its new cafe and pizza outlet, at the site of the former Chillers at the front of Allure Resort at Point Lookout.
The change follows several other movements within the island’s hospitality industry including the closure of The Whales Way Restaurant, which is understood to have been taken over by a Melbourne-based company.
It is understood the company is awaiting the reduction in COVID-19 border restrictions before launching the venture.
It joins the sale of well-loved cafe Seashells in August.
Mr Battersby said the new owners were a sign the market on Straddie is still healthy despite a slump in trade earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There are people out there that want to invest,” he said.
Other shuffles include much-loved a Whales Way sous chef taking up residence at Point Lookout Bowls Club and the relocation of Lime Leaf Asian restaurant from the island’s RSL club to Straddie Sharks Rugby League Club under the new name Jade Lime.
Meanwhile Mr Battersby said The Look Cafe which recently closed its doors is yet to reopen as a new venture.
Dining facilities at the RSL Club have been taken over by Point Lookout favourites Stan's Chicken and Beer.
Mr Battersby said his own fish and chip business Fishes at the Point had soldiered on through COVID-19 by providing takeaway only, a winning formula which the restaurant has so far maintained.
“Things are good on Straddie,” he said.
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