The Courthouse Restaurant in Cleveland announces shock closure
Management of a restaurant on Brisbane’s bayside, considered one of the region’s most precious, iconic and historic venues, have announced its shock closure.
The proprietor of one of Brisbane’s oldest restaurants has announced its shock closure, devastating the community.
Located in Cleveland’s stunning heritage precinct, The Courthouse Restaurant at 1 Paxton Street, Cleveland, is considered one of the region’s most precious, iconic and historic venues.
Proud proprietor and caretaker since 1998, Mary Gibb, said after almost five years of “traversing landmines” sadly she was unable to protect the restaurant from the landlord’s decision to not renew their lease in 2025.
“This is sad and dramatic news that will impact us all, the landlord is considering his options for his beautiful property, as is his right as the owner, and will not be extending the lease beyond New Year’s Eve,” Ms Gibb said.
“I have given every ounce of myself physically, emotionally and financially to preserve and protect the memories we all hold so dear of this truly special and iconic property.
“The challenges and the triumphs of the last four or five years I have only been able to face because I’ve had my incredible Restaurant Manager, Ben Platt on the journey with me the entire time,” she said.
First known as ‘The Olde Courthouse”, the building was built with early colonial cottage architecture, with handmade brick walls and sandstone window sills, which were brought by ship from England.
The first owner rented the cottage to the Colonial Secretary who used the building as a courthouse and a police watch-house in 1859 until 1880.
A restaurant spokesman said the Courthouse worked in conjunction with St Helena Island where violent prisoners were held for trial and transported for sentence to the Olde Courthouse.
“Sunday school and Church Services were held here from 1859, it was Cleveland’s first place of worship,” a spokesman said.
Until 1961 the Courthouse stood derelict until the building was restored by Mr and Mrs Edmonds, who transformed The Courthouse into a cafe and into a restaurant in 1977, resembling much of how it looks today.
Ms Gibb said she had made one million beautiful memories during her time at the restaurant.
“It feels so bittersweet and a little surreal, but every day that passes brings with it some relief as well,” Ms Gibb said.
“(It is) Time to make space for something new, both in my own life, and in the future of the very special Courthouse Restaurant, whatever that may look like,” she said.
Ms Gibb said she was honoured to have raised and trained hundreds of bright young staff members who had “flown off into their various careers equipped with confidence and dedication”.
“They have served you over the years as fresh faced school students and grown before your very eyes,” Ms Gibb said.
“We have supported our community and various causes for decades, but have been repaid in full with interest, with loyalty and support of us.
“I am so very proud of everything and everyone that has contributed to its success,” she said.
Ms Gibb made a heartfelt announcement to her loyal VIP customers from her “bruised heart”.
“I have to fully focus on creating our last five months here the most beautiful, most flawless and most memorable I can,” Miss Gibb said.
“I thought about leaving quietly, but I couldn’t bare the thought of not saying my sincerest Thank you and goodbye in person, I plan on being there as often as I can, but only if you promise to not make me cry.
“I don’t even care if this part sounds cheesy, but I love you and have deeply appreciated your support that helped get us to here,” she said.
Manager of 25 years, Mr Pratt who met his wife at the restaurant, said he would cherish the memories he has made there.
“Obviously it’s been a shock because this restaurant has been a part of my life and the community’s for a long time, but those memories will be there forever,” Mr Pratt said
He said his favourite part of being at the restaurant was being part of his customer’s special occasions.
“Building bonds with so many loyal customers has been amazing, from their weddings, to their anniversaries and birthdays,” Mr Pratt said.
“I will miss building relationships and interacting with the customers and my staff,” he said.
A loyal customer Tracey Gornall has started a GoFundMe to send Ms Gibb, Mr Platt and their dedicated team off with a heartfelt thank you.
“It’s evident her spirit is deeply affected, as a community we should express our thanks for her years of unwavering dedication to help rejuvenate her spirits,” Ms Gornall said.
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