Beloved Kenmore eatery to close after 14 years

The owners of one of Kenmore’s favourite eateries will retire after 14 years indulging the taste buds of locals. Here’s what will replace their cafe.

Plum Cafe Bistro owners Lance and Christine Zhou will close their Kenmore Plaza Shopping Centre eatery this Sunday after 14 years, with burger giant Grill’d to replace them.

Mr Zhou’s decision to retire caps an amazing 33-year career in hospitality, starting at Jimmy’s On The Mall where he landed a job on his first day in Australia in 1988 after emigrating from Shanghai.

Mrs Zhou, who is also of Chinese heritage but moved from the Philippines with her parents as a child, might still keep on going in hospitality.

However, Mr Zhou said he was looking forward to a well-earned rest.

Christine and Lance Zhou with Dr Christian Rowan.

“Hospitality is not easy. We work hard, seven days a week starting at 5.30am getting ready and close at 5pm,’’ Mr Zhou said.

“We make everything inside (on premises), all the cakes and muffins and everything, people really love it.

“My children are all grown up now — my son is 30 and a reconstructive surgeon, and my daughter is 23 and studying for a masters degree.

“I love people and I think you do your best to contribute to society.’’

Mr Zhou, who was an art dealer in Shanghai, had no immediate plans.

He said the bistro still had six years to run on its lease and Grill’d would take over.

Plum Cafe Bistro is closing after 14 years.

He was confident all of his 25 staff who wanted work would find other jobs and he had given personal recommendations for them to local businesses.

“My wife is only 49, so I don’t know what she will do. I have been in hospitality for a long time, first at Jimmys on the Mall where I became the manager, then at the Mt Coot-Tha Summit Restaurant and my wife ran Gossip in Toowong for 10 years,’’ he said.

“We’re going to have a farewell party for 150 of our regulars on June 5 as a token of appreciation,’’ he said.

Local state LNP MP, Dr Christian Rowan presented the couple with a certificate to honour their contribution to the community.

“Lance and Christine Zhou have been such an integral part of our small business community and the local economy here in the western suburbs of Brisbane,’’ Dr Rowan said.

“I was delighted to catch up with Lance and Christine this week and present a special Moggill Electorate Community Award in recognition of the outstanding contribution they and their staff have made to our local community.

“While their humble cafe and bistro will be missed by many, I would like to wish Lance and Christine the very best for their next endeavour.’’