Pizza Hut Kirra set to close after council fail to take up tender, forcing 30 jobs to go

The owner of a long-running Pizza Hut franchise, 30 staff and a surf club it sponsors are cheesed off about its axing as a return tenant for a Gold Coast City Council site.

THE owner of a long-running Pizza Hut franchise, 30 staff and a surf club it sponsors are cheesed off about its axing as a return tenant for a Gold Coast City Council site.

Pizza Hut has rented Kirra Beach Pavilion for almost 40 years but it ends next month — along with 30-plus jobs — when the fast-food restaurant tenancy expires.

The city council is in the middle of tendering for a new non-fast-food eatery but Pizza Hut has not made the shortlist which one resident has slammed as a “terrible decision”.

Fuming residents say another eatery may harm profits at Kirra Surf Club and not appeal to families on a budget.

PETITION TO SAVE KIRRA SURF CLUB

Employee Nivia Macella at Kirra Pizza Hut. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

The Pizza Hut franchise owner Tom Singh who bought it after it briefly closed in 2016 said he was “angry and frustrated” by the process.

Mr Singh said he believed the process favoured more up-market venues despite his offer to pay higher rent and a refit in line with council’s plans to highlight the historic building.

“What we have been told is that council doesn't want the site associated with a fast food brand.

“I have been working in franchising for 25 years and this was the least transparent and most frustrating processes I have been a part of.

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What the inside revamp could look like.

“We believed we had a really good chance, we engaged with an architect to come up with a concept to offer a feel that fits in the style of the building,” Mr Singh said.

Employee of two years Nivia Macella said she was devastated about losing her job.

“It is very sad it is closing,” Ms Marcella said. “Everyone from Kirra and Coolangatta know and love the restaurant.

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“I don’t know how I am going to find another job now it is quiet season. It is scary because I have bills and rent to pay.”

Kirra Surf lifesaving Club president Michael Hill said he was concerned a new entrant would hurt the club’s bottom line.

Employee Nivia Macella at Kirra Pizza Hut. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

KIRRA SURF CLUB CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

“Pizza Hut sponsor our patrols and give them two meals a day when on duty, the surf club works well with them,” Mr Hill said.

“Our concerns are if something like a microbrewery or restaurant go in.”

The club’s petition to take over the space has 3000 signatures but council would have to agree to below market rent.

Kirra resident Keith Leitch said the ”terrible decision” was a “gentrification” of the Coast costing jobs and potential rent.

Concept plans proposed by Pizza Hut Kirra as part of the tender process.

“I am concerned budget venues are evaporating. Most restaurant start-ups do not last long and any vacant tenancy will indirectly cost ratepayers.”

Councillor Gail O’Neill said council was awaiting a report on the final tenant shortlist.

“Council made a decision to have a look to see what is possible for that site,” Cr O’Neill said.

“We were looking at something to enhance the iconic areas and the heritage-listed building but council has not taken part in the actual expressions of interest process.”

Cr O’Neill said the significance of the asset should be recognised in the marketplace as one of only three notable southern absolute beachfront locations for food and beverage.