Clarence Valley hospitality opportunities: 5 businesses for sale

The Clarence Valley is getting trendier to live in, and there’s plenty of opportunities going around to get into business. Here’s a selection of the biggest offerings.

The Clarence Valley is growing at a rate of knots, and with the growth comes a bevy of opportunity.

The region is growing five and a half times faster than it has in the past decade, with Clarence Valley Council projecting the population to hit 60,000 by 2041.

While the region has a reputation for having an old population, only 9 per cent of the growth is projected to come from ages 50 to 69.

The Angourie-Yamba region is expected to have an explosion in people aged under 25.

As property experts dub Yamba the “Byron Bay of the future”, chances to buy into the region are unique, with locals particularly loyal to the businesses that lay down roots in their little coastal abode.

CoffeeArt Cafe, Maclean

Shop 5/28A River St, Maclean

Stephen and Phuong James are moving on from the Maclean institution they've run for the best part of a decade. Picture: Daanyal Saeed

Stephen and Phuong James bought CoffeeArt Cafe in Maclean after stopping in for a feed on a rain-soaked drive up the coast.

The town’s quaint riverside position enamoured them so much they stayed.

With their kids all grown up, they say it’s time to move on, and perhaps head back to school for Mr James.

“I love learning, and I love university – I’d love to go back and study Latin,” Mr James said.

Selling the cafe is a chance to go back to Vietnam and visit Mrs James’s side of the family after the pandemic hampered efforts in recent years.

The cafe on Maclean’s main street has seating for up to 20 people inside, with up to a further 35 seats outside.

As long as the James’ have been in charge, it has been known for an extensive range of Vietnamese food on top of the usual Western cafe fare.

Mr James says they are selling the leasehold for $80,000.

Gather Cafe, Yamba

3/14-15 Clarence St, Yamba

Gather Cafe in Yamba.

With Yamba getting younger and trendier, some of northern New South Wales’ best food can be found in the seaside getaway.

Gather, at the top of Clarence St near the iconic Pacific Hotel, is no exception.

The cafe, known for long lines out the door of a weekend, has an evening liquor licence and also functions as a caterer, providing diverse income streams for a risk-averse purchaser.

The business is being sold alongside the venue itself, and has an established lease in place.

The business is being advertised for $150,000.

Big River Pizza, Grafton

Shop 3 Grafton Mall, 25-35 King St, Grafton

Big River Pizza in Grafton.

As the economic centre of the Clarence Valley, Grafton is home to some of the longer standing restaurant businesses – Big River Pizza is one such business.

Real estate agent Ron Plowman described the Big River Pizza building as “iconic”.

The brand itself has been established for more than 20 years, being voted New South Wales’ favourite pizza place last year in our poll.

The business is being marketed as an ideal option for someone looking to transition into hospitality for the first time, with transitional training provided as part of the sale.

The business is being sold with the remainder of the four-year lease, which contains a 10-year option for the purchaser.

It is advertised for $265,000.

Rest Point Hotel, Copmanhurst

59 Grafton St, Copmanhurst

The Rest Point Hotel in Copmanhurst.

About 30km out of Grafton is the close-knit community of Copmanhurst, located on the banks of the Clarence River.

The town’s only pub dates back to at least the 1920s, and doubles as the local post office, as well as being the only commercial premises in town.

The pub sits on 1ha and includes a beer garden, dining area and a pool room along with a two-bedroom manager‘s quarters.

It is advertised for $1.395m with an expiring lease.

Freshwater Kitchen, Iluka

3/63 Charles St, Iluka

Freshwater Kitchen in Iluka.

Yamba’s little sibling is developing a personality all of its own, nestled next to the World Heritage-listed Iluka Nature Reserve.

The Freshwater Kitchen sits in the heart of town, and comes with an established lease.

The recently refurbished cafe currently operates until 1.30pm, but with a liquor licence obtained for the premises, has an opportunity to extend to evening trade.

The agents for the Charles St property are currently taking expressions of interest.