The retail and hospitality businesses opening and closing across the Gippsland region
Gippsland is set to get some exciting retail and hospitality openings across the region, while other businesses are switching off their lights and closing down for good. Check them out.
Bass Coast News
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Gippsland is set to get some exciting retail and hospitality openings across the region, while other businesses are switching off their lights and closing down for good.
Business owners have had that light bulb moment and are ready to serve their community — from delicious treats, to a refreshing beer to furniture and clothing.
Not only that, some other businesses are making a comeback after being shut down for quite some time.
See all the businesses that have opened, are yet to open and have closed in the area.
BUSINESS OPENINGS
BASS COAST VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE — GRANTVILLE
A large retail development is set to make its way to a small coastal town in the Bass Coast.
The Bass Coast Village shopping centre is coming to the Bass Hwy in Grantville, on the “doorstep” of Phillip Island.
Announced by CRS property, the centre was up for sale by expressions of interests at the start of the year and closed on March 13.
The area comprises of a fully permitted development site with plans, permits and precommitments.
Two stores that have already been confirmed for development at the site include a Coles supermarket and a chemist, with construction to begin early next year.
The centre will also feature six speciality shops and a fuel pad site.
SEASIDE FISH & CHIPS — GRANTVILLE
A Bass Coast favourite is returning to serve the community.
Seaside Fish & Chips in Grantville will be reopening on June 24 this year.
The business took to take Facebook page how thrilled they were to reopen, with new owners, “new beginnings” and “new adventures”.
“We’re taking some time to refresh, repaint, and redesign the basics,” the company shared in a post.
“Our goal is to reopen and ready and roaring to go.
“We can’t wait to welcome you back!”
THE PORT WELSHPOOL PUB — PORT WELSHPOOL
The passionate team at a South Gippsland pub was excited to announce they would be back in business by the end of the year.
The Pier Port Hotel on Lewis St in Port Welshpool will be getting a revamp and will be renamed as the Port Welshpool Pub.
After the business was sold and shut down, members have been working hard to get the iconic venue up and running again, for all to enjoy.
Renovation works are currently in progress and people are eager to see the results.
The business shared a progress update to their Facebook page on April 10 telling everyone they cannot wait to get the pub open again.
“We are so grateful for all the interest and support we are getting through this page and through people walking past,” the team wrote in the post.
“We just thought we would let you all know where we are at trying to get this pub open!”
The team confirmed their clean-up had began, a council submission entered, the power and water restored, research has started for a new restaurant fit out, kitchen and bar, their pub name has been registered and their logo design is almost complete.
“We will continue to keep you posted and will hopefully be saying CHEERS in person later this year,” the team shared.
“The excitement is wonderful — you will be well supported as it was in the beginning,” Janet Smith Taylor commented.
“Great to have some life back into the Port. Every port needs a pub. Cheers.”
THE STICKS — KILCUNDA
Designed by a local collaborative of creatives, “The Sticks” a unique retail and community hub, had its official opening on January 27 this year.
And Bass Coast woman Lauren Russo is the face behind all the talent.
The creatives involved in the development of the space include Brach (architects), Orchard Design (landscape architects) and The Set (design and interiors).
The business comprises six boutique pods interconnected by an infill of curated open spaces and will offer a variety of programs and events catering to the ever-expanding coastal village, local enterprises as well as travellers visiting or passing through the area.
Ms Russo said she loved that everyday was different in her job.
“With The Sticks Kilcunda being a small, family run business, you have to wear many hats to make it all work and I love the variety of these roles,” she said.
“I also get to meet and chat with lots of incredible people which really fills my cup and inspires me to help grow and evolve the business in innovative ways.”
Ms Russo said sleep is “essential” for productivity and clear thinking.
KIM’S BAKEHOUSE — COWES, PHILLIP ISLAND
After burning down in 2021, a Phillip Island favourite has made a comeback.
Kim’s Bakehouse, a Vietnamese bakery best known for their banh mi rolls, reopened at a different location on Thompson Ave in Cowes at the end of last year.
“The best sight in the world this week … We can hardly wait to get stuck into their banh mi,” Denise Woodley shared in a Phillip Island and San Remo noticeboard in November.
“Custard tarts here I come!!,” Ronnie Bauer commented on the post.
“Awesome. Kim’s was my favourite Island food!,” Jolanda Violet wrote.
“We’ve been waiting such a long time for this good news and are so happy for all at Kim’s Bakery — welcome back,” Kerry McKean shared.
Kim’s Bakehouse is open Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 5pm and Saturdays 7am to 3pm.
WALKER’S DOUGHNUTS — TRARALGON
Popular across Australia, a “mouth watering” doughnut franchise made its way to the Latrobe Valley last month.
Walker’s Doughnuts had its grand opening on April 5 on Seymour St in Traralgon, and the team served up the delicious goods all day long.
Founded in 2006, the company has opened 23 stores across Melbourne, and Traralgon is the first Gippsland town to home a franchise.
The shop received so much excitement on Facebook that users suggested their next store should open in the Bass Coast area.
If you’re holidaying, Walker’s Doughnuts won’t be hard to miss as it’s on the highway of the town.
The store is open from 8.30am until 5.30pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 5pm on weekends.
TIMELESS BAR & LOUNGE — TRARALGON
Any Latrobe Valley local would be familiar with it, and knows it was the go-to hotspot for Gippsland night-life.
Once known as the Cargo Lounge, then as House of Frank — the entertainment bar on Franklin St, Traralgon has been rebranded a second time and is now called Timeless Bar and Lounge.
House of Frank was owned by locals Mario and Damo, until they passed the keys to the doors to local woman Narelle Dugan at the end of February this year, with its grand opening in March.
Ms Dugan took to her Facebook page on the excitement of owning the business and the team were looking forward to the challenges and exciting times ahead of them.
Ms Dugan shared there would be renovations taking place at the venue, but the bar would still be open to all with DJ’s kicking it off.
There will be more yet to come from the bar as the year goes by.
DANBO’S COFFEE — TRARALGON
Coffee lovers of the Latrobe Valley will soon be able to smell the steam from another coffee shop that’s yet to brew in the area.
Danbo’s Coffee will be coming to Traralgon this year, taking the old milk bar space that was vacant for 12 years in Pax Hill.
The Danbo’s team are excited to open up their second store in Gippsland, with their first opening in Newborough.
The team’s goal is to create a community in Traralgon like they did in Newborough.
HARVEY NORMAN — WARRAGUL
As part of an estimated $45m retail development plan, a new Harvey Norman store is expected to open in West Gippsland by 2025.
The large department store will be constructed on the land opposite Kmart and Bunnings near Queen St and Hazel Dr in Warragul.
The first store was opened in 1961 by Gerry Harvey and Ian Norman.
There are currently 45 Harvey Norman stores across Victoria and 192 countrywide selling furniture, computers, bedding communications and consumer electrical products.
Warragul is a picturesque town in the shire Baw Baw and is only an hour and 20 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD.
HARRIS SCARFE — WARRAGUL
Another popular department store is also set to open in the $45m retail development plan.
Harris Scarfe will be one of the few major tenants on Queen St and Hazel Dr in Warragul.
The company was founded in 1849 in Adelaide, South Australia and sells bed linen, homewares, kitchenware, electrical appliances and apparel.
The are more than 50 stores across Australia and it’s a convenient retail go-to for customers.
SPOTLIGHT — WARRAGUL
Joining Harvey Norman and Harris Scarfe in Warragul is the major supplier of fabric, crafts, party, home interiors, curtains and blinds.
With almost 150 stores across Australia, Spotlight will open as part of the retail boost in the town.
The franchise was founded by Morry Fraid and Ruben Fried in 1973 and has been the go-to store for all things fun, whether you’re taking the kids out or feeling creative.
BANJO’S BAKERY & CAFE — WARRAGUL
After a tasty breakfast, coffee, sandwich of treat? A bakery chain is yet to make its way to Warragul.
Banjo’s Bakery & Cafe will join the other three large businesses on the land at Queen St and Hazel Dr.
The growing brand had its first store open in Launceston, Tasmania in 1984 by Mark Saxby and his daughter Jessica, who is now the CEO and managing director.
Ms Saxby is driving the business into the eastern states of Australia.
The company has more than 40 years of heritage baked into it and more than 50 stores nationally — with one of those opening in Traralgon in 2018.
BUSINESS CLOSURES
THE RAILWAY HOTEL — WARRAGUL
After operating for more than 140 years, a historic pub poured its last pint of beer in March.
The Railway Hotel on Queen St in Warragul has shut its doors, but it isn’t goodbye.
The pub with a floor area on 1420m sq was leased in February by Wilson Property, not long after they announced the news on February 8 they were soon to close.
Business owner Justin Dash, who has been around pubs for more than 40 years, shared his decision to move on.
He hoped whoever moved in to take over the building delivered a “stellar service” to the community.
Now, the old building will be getting a facelift — and the new owner has kept the community updated by sharing pictures on social media of the renovations going on behind closed doors.
In December 1878, George Streitberg received a publican’s licence for the pub for “Warrigal”, which was spelt differently in the first few years.
With the railway line opening the year before, the town begun to experience an influx of visitors — then came the Railway Hotel — which first opened as a one-storey timber building in 1879.
From then onwards, history was made.
PORTRAITS CAFE AND TEAROOM — TRARALGON
Any local that has been to Portraits Cafe and Tearoom knows it is iconic for one important thing — the cafe is all pink.
The Franklin St business had a stunning atmosphere and served up high tea specials for almost three years.
The cafe was the perfect place to take mum out — but at the end of last year, the business shut up shop as owners Josh and Diana decided to move on to a different chapter.
They took to their Facebook page their dream cafe came with its own challenges and had been an “adventure”.
The cafe’s last day of trading was on September 16 and the pair thanked their loyal staff and customers for everything.
“We hope to still see you around town and we wish everyone the best!,” the company shared in a Facebook post.
However, the sweetness never disappeared — as Lolly Kingdom has now taken the cafe’s place.
The confectionary shop opened up in March.
POWERHOUSE DONUTS — MORWELL
Operating for several years, Powerhouse Donuts was the place to go for locals and visitors wanting to try a new taste of doughnuts.
But the Church St business made an announcement in November last year acknowledging they had been closed for a while and the pause they had.
The Powerhouse Donuts family shared on their Facebook page that a “sweet opportunity” awaits and were looking for new owners to take over the business.
Although it may be closed for now, doughnut fans may get a surprise in the near future.
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