Glenny Kebabs owner ponders move from Glen Waverley site amid Caltex dispute

A DISPUTE between a popular Glen Waverley kebab van’s owners and their fuel giant landlord could send the small business under.

A GLEN Waverley food van business that has become a local institution could be forced out of their Springvale Rd location.

Glenny Kebabs, run by Asad Syed, is a massive hit among locals, especially school students.

Since picking up the long-term lease on the Caltex service station site in October 2016, the business became an almost overnight success.

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Prices for Mr Syed’s famous combos start at $12.50 for high school students, and $10 for individual kebabs.

And Mr Syed attributed his success to knowing “what people want”, having lived in Glen Waverley his whole life.

“It is an affordable place for … people who don’t want to spend $20 or $30, which is what was missing,” Mr Syded said.

“We need to create an atmosphere and a place where young people can go and get food, have a nice cafe vibe.”

Asad Syed says both his business and Caltex have benefited from the success of Glenny Kebabs. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Mr Syed said it was a win for both his business and the service station.

But disputes are now clouding the van’s future.

“Any place that becomes a popular food destination becomes a bit of a hangout spot. Cars attending, it’s natural in that business,” Mr Syed said.

But Caltex and Monash Council have come down hard on Mr Syed, saying Glenny’s is not complying with permits and regulations and is flouting “safety requirements”.

“We take the terms of our agreement with the licensee seriously … and we expect the licensee to put safety of customers first (and) comply with council,” Caltex manager Chris Ellis said.

Monash Council Mayor Paul Klisaris said the council’s planning department had flagged several issues with Glenny Kebabs.

These included a pergola which covered seating, too much seating, the loss of two parking bays, operating out of permitted hours and complaints from residents related to noise from cars and loud music, cars parking in the surrounding streets and rubbish from patrons.

“A noncompliance notice was issued by council in January and the owner was prompt in addressing the issue of operating within the prescribed hours on his permit and, to date, no further complaints regarding noise have been received by council,” Cr Klisaris said.

Mr Syed said he was trying to figure out a way forward, but the disputes were taking their toll.

“I’ve never been as stressed in my life,” Mr Syed said. “It gives me anxiety not knowing the future of our business and employees.”

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