Newtown fashion designer, Italian restaurant owner join forces in dining plan to address small business challenges

A Sydney fashion designer and Italian restaurateur have joined forces in an ambitious dining experience plan aimed at meeting the challenges facing the hospitality and small business sector.

The proposal has been described as unique by restaurateur Fabio Stefanelli.

A clothes shop by day would be transformed into an Italian restaurant by night as part of a unique dining experience planned by two shop owners in the heart of Newtown.

Fashion designer Ruth Tate and her neighbouring business restaurateur Fabio Stefanelli have joined forces in an ambitious proposal aimed at meeting the challenges facing the hospitality and small business sector.

The idea will involve turning the front section of clothes shop Ruth Tate Fashion Clothing into a dining area for patrons of neighbouring Italian restaurants Favola once the clothes shop closes for its daily trade at 6pm.

Mr Stefanelli, the long-term owner of Favola, said the proposal would address capacity challenges at his venue which currently has limited indoor seating for just 24 diners.

In return, Ms Tate would be provided with a rental income for the floor space which she said would otherwise stand empty after her shop doors close.

The clothes shop would become an after-hours dining area as part of the proposal.

“When I close they would move my racks and rails out of the way and bring in tables and chairs. All the food would still be prepared next door,” she said,

“The whole idea is really about thinking outside the square and using retail spaces in a smarter way.

“My shop is empty in the evenings and Fabio only needs it in the evenings so it makes sense for both of us.:

The restaurant currently has indoor seating for 24 patrons.

Mr Stefanelli said the proposal comes after a frustrating search to find other locations to expand his business – a process hampered by high retail rental costs and limited on-street dining areas outside the venue.

The proposal would almost triple the number of guests he would be able to seat during the evening trade from 24 to 64.

“At the moment we have people waiting half an hour on Friday and Saturday nights for a table and we’re squeezing them into the restaurant. We want to give diners a better experience,” he said.

The proposal needs approval from the City of Sydney Council.

“We tried to look at other spaces to rent but the price for a double restaurant is almost three times what we pay and when you’re a small-business owner that’s a real challenge. ”Not everyone wants to sit in outdoor dining areas as well because of the noise and smoke from cars.

“It’s something different and unique for Newtown.

The co-sharing business model – which is popular overseas including in many European cities – is understood to be a first for Newtown.

The proposal requires approval from the City of Sydney Council which is currently assessing the plans.

Plans to the council stated the proposal would also provide local residents and visitors to King Street could add to the “vibrancy” of night-time activity in the shopping strip.