Premier Cronulla’s restaurant Summer Salt to be ‘refreshed’ under Sydney Restaurant Group
A leading hospitality provider that operates two hatted venues has acquired an iconic beachside restaurant in Sydney’s south. A week out from the keys changing hands, the venue’s next phase of life has been revealed.
St George Shire Standard
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For the first time in nearly two decades, one of Sydney’s best restaurant’s located in a premier location overlooking iconic Cronulla beach has new owners.
Bill Drakopoulos from Sydney Restaurant Group acquired the much-loved Summer Salt restaurant last year and a week out from being handed the keys, he has revealed what is next for the popular venue.
Carl and Brooke Jensen sold the restaurant after 19 years at the helm.
“Although the current owner and chef Carl Jensen operated Summer Salt very successfully since its inception, I believe it’s time to refresh the venue,” Mr Drakopoulos said.
“Sydney Restaurant Group is blessed to have some exceptionally talent and capable chefs, cooks, restaurant managers, sommeliers, waiters and more within its ranks and we plan to open on February 8 with a new menu, wine and beverage list.
“Our new menu will maintain a similar price point to the current offering with a focus on fresh and high quality seafood and produce that is simply cooked and served well.”
Mr Drakopoulos said the group’s sommelier was compiling a “wonderful wine and beverage offering” to compliment the menu to help create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
“The atmosphere and vibe is intended to be elegant yet laid back and relaxed,” he said.
“Initially we will trade as is and intend to refurbish the entire space towards the end of this winter.”
Mr Drakopoulos anticipated there would be a seamless transition between owners.
He was excited to welcome loyal patrons and those yet to experience the “magical setting”.
“Initially we just want to get to know our guests and learn from them,” he said.
“After a few months we plan to refresh and refurbish the entire venue adding an additional cocktail bar and perhaps a private area/function space.”
The group purchased Summer Salt mid-last year and the Shire hold a special place in Mr Drakopoulos’s heart.
“It is an incredibly rare location right on the beach at Cronulla with jaw dropping views and a light and airy feel about it,” he said.
“Our group has built a reputation on operating some of Sydney’s most iconic locations and when I viewed Summer Salt, for me, it was an instant decision that this restaurant should be part of Sydney Restaurant Group.
“I also spent many schoolboy years as a Shire boy at Gymea High School where quite often our sport days were spent jogging along Cronulla beach.
“I can’t wait to be back in the Shire, I’m so excited.”
The group also owns two hatted fine dining restaurants, venues with stunning waterfront views and cafes including Aqua Dining in Milsons Point, Ormeggio at The Spit, Ripples at Milsons Point, Chowder Bay and Manly as well as Ventuno at Walsh Bay, Sails at McMahons Point and The Fenwich at Balmain, among many others.
“Each of our restaurant style and concepts is creased based on it’s unique location. Summer Salt will be no different,” Mr Drakopoulos said.
“Being located on the sand dunes of Elouera Beach, this large and open space has an incredible aspect.
“We’ll start with that and let our creative team have a lot of fun building what we hope will be the jewel of the Shire.”
Carl and Brooke Jensen posted on Summer Salt’s Facebook page and said “the memories that have come and gone through Summer Salt will stay with us forever”.
It comes as they prepare to say goodbye to the venue, with the last service on Saturday, January 27.
“From watching our own family grow up in the restaurant, to the several Summer Salt staff marriages and now lots of Summer Salt children, to crazy busy services, major calendar events, New Year’s Day recovery parties, to customers becoming friends and our countless managers and chefs who will be in our hearts forever,” they wrote.
“Thank you for your patronage, loyalty, good times and laughs but it is time for us to close this door and open another chapter in our lives.”
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