Camberwell Place food outlets struggle with low customer numbers

A food court facelift that was meant to breathe new life into a leafy eastern shopping centre as part of an $18 million redevelopment is struggling to get people in the door. And one trader fears he will have to close his shop for good.

Camberwell Place shopper Claire Miles said it would be a shame if the new food court shops were to go bust. Picture: Josie Hayden

Restaurants are struggling to make ends meet at the newly renovated Camberwell Place, with one trader fearful sluggish sales will force him to close for good.

Gary Katos, the owner of Cone Heads in the centre’s newly opened level one food court, said the lack of customers was having a serious impact on his bottom line.

“I’ve had 21 shops over the years, and this is the only one that’s stressed me that it might go under,” he said.

“The number-one thing is the lack of awareness of this space, this is a really beautiful food court. I tell you, it’s the best kept secret in Camberwell.”

The swanky food court is struggling to attract customers. Picture: Josie Hayden

Centre management advertised the food court after it opened, he said, but sales remained slow and he said more “old school” marketing techniques were needed such as letterbox drops.

Giuseppe Roccaro, manager of Just Italy, said business had not taken off as expected but he thought nearby construction work was partly to blame.

He said he was confident things would pick up in time, however he felt parking restrictions around the centre should be wound back to encourage shoppers to stay longer and eat a meal.

Shopper and Camberwell mother-of-two Claire Miles said she loved the new food court’s meal options, which were perfect for parents with young fussy eaters, and it would be a shame if the eateries closed.

“They can’t survive on the number of people who are sitting there on a Friday or Saturday night, it’s not possible,” she said.

The new dining hall is part of an $18 million refurbishment of the centre, formerly known as The Well.

Camberwell Traders’ Association manager Kerry Daly said she’d noticed business was slow at the food court, but it was primarily the centre’s responsibility to promote the new eateries.

The traders’ association had also paid for advertising to promote the food court and she said they’d “bend over backwards” to help the owners.

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“We’re doing as much as we can to support them during this time,” she said.

Camberwell Place spokeswoman Melissa Chisnall said the new dining area opened in January and ISPT, the centre’s owner, invested in a marketing campaign that included newspaper, cinema, social media and digital advertising, as well as letter box drops and on-site events.

The centre’s redevelopment was ongoing, she said, and she expected more customers would be attracted to the shopping hub once construction was completed.

Leader asked how much the food court upgrade cost, but got no response.

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