Local support endures for Wilson’s Boathouse facing imminent eviction over leasing dispute
With 14 staff, a ledger full of bookings and “massive local support” the owner of an award-winning restaurant wants the premier to explain why his beloved venue faces closure over a lease dispute.
Southeast
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Locals dismayed at the potential loss of an iconic and award-winning restaurant due to a leasing dispute with the State Government will tomorrow rally in defiance.
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Manly’s Wilson’s Boathouse owner Neil Jedid said he could not ignore locals who implored him to make one last stand before their possible eviction on October 15.
With that in mind supporters of the iconic establishment, which last year won the Queensland Formal Seafood Restaurant for Excellence and the National Gold award for excellence in Formal Seafood by the Restaurant and Catering Association, will meet tomorrow between 12 – 2pm for a sausage sizzle to show off their support.
It comes as Wilson’s Boathouse was unable to secure a long-term lease from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) on what is government land.
“We are still here but it has been horrendous to say the least,” Mr Jedid said.
“We might be down but we are not out yet; we have massive support locally.”
Having poured heart and soul into the venture for 18 years, which included a half-million dollar renovation only last year, Mr Jedid said he was dismayed that the State Government was in effect using taxpayers’ money to shut down a healthy small business during a pandemic.
Having traded throughout the COVID-19 outbreak the owner said they have 10 full-time and four part-time staff on the books, hired a new staff member last week and have comprehensive bookings lined up for weddings and Christmas parties.
And so, in the face of that considerable loss, Mr Jedid said they hope for an intervention from State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The restaurateur said having approached her office before they were told “we will get back to you”.
They are still waiting, he said.