Burleigh Heads’ Blaire’s Bistro owner Braedan Allen to close for revamp
The owner of a Burleigh Heads restaurant which has closed says the “tram honestly isn’t that bad” despite a social media post stating it was the reason for their closure.
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The owner of a Burleigh Heads restaurant which has closed says the “tram honestly isn’t that bad” despite a social media post stating it was the reason for their closure.
On Monday, a post was shared to Blaire’s Bistro Instagram and Facebook accounts stating the venue had shut after a year of trading in its Lower Gold Coast Highway location, an area also besieged by Gold Coast City Council stormwater drainage upgrade work.
The closure came as a shock as the former Mex Cartel restaurant had only just rebranded as Blaire’s Bistro in September.
However, Blaire’s Bistro owner Braedan Allen reached out to the Bulletin and said the social posts were made “out of error” and that they were closing for a revamp.
“Thank you for all the support over the years between both the Mexican Restaurant and Blaire’s Bistro,” the Facebook announcement said.
The post claimed the ongoing Light Rail Stage 3 construction – which will take the tram into the heart of Burleigh Heads – was the reason for their closure.
“As many would know the tram works have impacted us all greatly,” the post said.
“(It’s) the end we didn’t want but we appreciate the love and support over the years.
“Thank you to all. Thank you to all our staff who served you also.”
Despite the post, Mr Allen set the record straight and said light rail construction had “very little” impact on trading.
“The sewerage works is what had an impact,” he said.
“The tram honestly isn’t that bad.”
Mr Allen said they plan to do another revamp to the venue and it would return to a Mexican restaurant.
“We did Blaire’s Bistro for our daughter but then realised our Mexican was better and it’s what the customers preferred.”
Mr Allen said while they didn’t have timings and a name for the new business, they would reopen when the light rail construction was finished in the area.
Mr Allen urged customers to support their La Bella Cellar restaurant on Deodar Drive, which would remain open despite also being significantly hit by light rail and council construction.
While regular diners were shocked to hear about the closure on social media, fellow Burleigh business owners were not so surprised.
Green Valley Health and Wellness commented on their Facebook post and said business had “dropped off considerably” due to the light-rail construction.
“The tram is killing local business. Best of luck in your future.”
“You guys were our favourite,” @monatron13 added.
“We are so sorry. It’s freaking tough out there and that f**king tram has made it impossible.”
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