Popular Qld nightclub Empire Alternacade secretly closes down

A popular nightclub has secretly shut, a favourite CBD restaurant will soon change hands, and seven other Mackay region businesses are in for a shake-up. SEE THE FULL LIST.

A popular nightclub has secretly shut, a favourite CBD restaurant will soon change hands, and seven other Mackay region businesses are in for a shake-up.

A popular Mackay nightclub has shut down its online profiles and shut up shop without a hint of explanation.

The secretive closing took the town by surprise given the nightclub just hosted a big ‘80s throwback party in partnership with Triple M radio presenters Jay Shipston and Dave Peters.

But the closure of Empire Alternacade is just one of many shake ups across Mackay’s business landscape.

SCROLL TO READ THE FULL LIST

Located at 140 Victoria St, the nightclub – which introduced Mackay to the scene of boardgames, cosplay and air hockey alongside cocktails – replaced longstanding former ‘t-tty bar’ Wilkies below the Showbar strip club.

Empire Arcade and Bar in Mackay.

Offering pinball machines, arcade games, and a stage for live events, patrons thought of the place like an adult TimeZone.

Despite making its mark on Mackay, the venue reportedly closed down the night after Jay and Dave hosted their 80s Party on July 1.

Empire’s Facebook, Instagram, and website have all been wiped, leaving mystery in its wake.

Triple M's Jay & Dave Breakfast Show 80s Party at Empire Alternacade.

It is understood Tim Pellegrino, who opened Empire in 2019 alongside venues in Townsville, had sold the Mackay offshoot.

Showbar owner Graham Laird is thought to have bought it.

This publication contacted both Showbar and Mr Laird for comment but did not receive a response.

Sorbellos Italian Restaurant

Sorbellos has wined and dined Mackay for birthday, anniversary and graduation celebrations for more than 25 years from its expansive venue in the heart of the CBD on Victoria St.

Con Sorbello outside Sorbellos Italian Restaurant.

Alex and Con Sorbello founded and still run the town favourite, quietly listing it for sale a few weeks ago.

The news comes just months after another popular Italian joint, Il Bacco, closed up shop on Brisbane St.

A SeekBusiness listing states Sorbellos earns an average profit of almost $1 million, with revenue approaching $4 million.

It also notes the vendor is offering 12 months of training and support to ease the transition to new owners.

“For more than 25 years, this Italian restaurant has delighted guests,” the listing reads.

Fettuccine Garlic Prawns from Sorbellos, Mackay Photo Peter Holt/ Daily Mercury

“And, while Mackay has grown over the years, the restaurant’s finely honed concept has remained unchanged.

“Because it works.

“Now, for the first time, you have the chance to acquire it.”

You can buy the slice of Mackay restaurant history for a cool $3.1 million. The business was valued at $1.9 million and freehold land at $1.2 million.

Northern Beaches Bakehouse

Northern Beaches Bakehouse

Mackay’s Northern Beaches are booming, and the team behind this thriving bakery has seen it grow for 12 long years.

Offering everything from fresh breads to shareable treats to sweet pastries, Northern Beaches Bakehouse is now up for sale.

Manager Jennifer Jones and her partner, owner Andrew Paltridge, have decided to sell only after Ms Jones began to develop arthritis in her hands.

“It’s the joys of getting old and working with your hands all the time”, Ms Jones said.

Emma Riggs and Jamie Thomas from Northern Beaches Bakehouse show off their oversized treats.

“I’ve had carpal tunnel on one hand and I’m starting to get it on the other.

“I’ve enjoyed my nearly 12 years that I’ve been here, but I’m hoping someone else will come along and keep it going.”

Based at the Rural View Shopping Centre next to Woolworths, the Seek listing says there’s no requirement to be a qualified baker to run the business.

It is listed for $245,000.

Hellacool Creamery Mackay

Now is your chance to own the purple retro dessert truck near Target in Caneland Central, with “Frenchie” up for sale.

Hellacool Creamery Mackay

Hellacool Creamery has been based in the shopping centre since December 2019.

Selling a variety of ice creams, waffles, churros, shakes and coffee, a sale listing says the business is well established with over 6000 followers on social media.

“Purple dessert truck “Frenchie” was shipped all the way from France … And spent nine months undergoing a full renovation,” the listing reads.

“Including the fit-out, the seller invested $220,000 in setting up the business.”

Hellacool Creamery is listed for $145,000.

TJ Picture Framing

TJ Picture Framing

This locally owned framing business has been adding its finishing touches to Mackay homes and businesses for more than 20 years.

Located at 24 Evans Ave in North Mackay, owners Terese and James Marrs have recently decided to put TJ Picture Framing on the market.

Their website says they have a combined 50 years of experience working in the art and framing industry.

A SeekBusiness listing estimates yearly profits at close to $200,000 with revenue “well in excess of $600,000”.

“Owners are motivated and willing to offer all training and support required to ensure a smooth transition,” it reads.

TJ Picture Framing is priced at a negotiable $355,000 with stock valuation to be done at the point of sale.

Focus On Flooring Xtra Mackay

Focus On Flooring Xtra

A locally owned flooring business that has been trading for about 20 years, Focus On Flooring Xtra offers two stores across the region.

With one in Mackay at 14 Gordon St and one in Proserpine at 94 Main St, the “highly profitable” business boasts established contracts and long renewable leases.

The dual businesses are listed for $1.449 million plus shared after valuation.

Sarina Medical Imaging

The region’s expectant mothers are rueing the loss of Sarina’s only medical imaging centre, which closed at the end of June.

Sarina Medical Imaging posted an announcement on it’s Facebook page thanking the community “for the trust you placed in us”.

“This was a very difficult choice to make,” it read.

“In the end, after 17 years, big business made it impossible for our small business to survive.

“Love and best wishes to all of you.”

The closure of John and Sharon Murray’s family-run business means their patients now have to travel to Mackay for medical imaging.

TJ’s Wax Pot & Tanning Studio.

TJ’s Wax Pot & Tanning Studio

A popular beauty spot, TJ’s Wax Pot & Tanning Studio was just recognised as one of the top three salons in Mackay.

With stores at 143 Victoria St and Shop 2077 in Caneland Central, TJ’s is undergoing a massive remodel and expansion after eight years.

Manager Kristy Simpson said TJ’s had recently bought the venue formerly known as Your Day Spa and was renovating the shopping centre site as well.

The whole franchise will be renamed Sage Spa & Beauty once reopened, becoming a one-stop shop for their clients.

Marlin Fashion Store.

Marlin Fashion Store

Offering all kinds of shapes and styles, Marlin Fashion Store is having a going-out-of-business sale.

Based at Caneland Central, owner Lin Lu posted on Facebook that this would be the end of the clothes boutique after five years.

She said the business struggled through Covid, but decided to stay “because Caneland has been very good to us”.

But now the final gong has been rung, with Ms Lu thanking all the customers who supported them in the last few years.

Originally published as Popular Qld nightclub Empire Alternacade secretly closes down