Rockhampton’s Derby St Snack Bar moved into liquidation

Peter Devoy’s popular scallops with their special recipe are no more after he and his family were forced to close the Derby St Snack Bar after years of struggle following his cancer diagnosis and Covid-19.

Peter Devoy’s popular scallops, with their special recipe, are no longer available to the loyal customers of the Derby St Snack Bar after he and his family were forced to close following years of struggle after his cancer diagnosis and Covid-19.

Devoy Holdings Pty Ltd was moved into liquidation on April 8 with Michael Beck of Worrells appointed as liquidator.

A sign on the front of the business states it is “closed till further notice”.

Derby Street Snack Bar. Picture: Aden Stokes

Mr Devoy broke the devastating news the business was moving into liquidation on social media.

“To all our valued customers and associates that have been a part and who have enjoyed our service and food over the years, I want to thank you and inform you that as of Monday the 8th of April we have ceased operation at Derby Street and the business is now in the hands of administrators for liquidation,” he wrote.

Sign at the front of Derby St Snack Bar stating it is ‘closed till further notice’. Picture: Aden Stokes

“What happens in the near future is in their hands and hopefully there will be new operators in the future, that share the same outlook and dedication to the Allenstown community that I, my family and staff have committed for over 20 years.”

Mr Devoy shared in the post that the business fell into difficulties during the time he was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and the years that followed with his recovery.

“Covid hit and shook the world, and the past 4 years has been spent trying to promote and increase business through hard work, diversification, beautification and renovation in the drive to pay our debts and overcome past financial setbacks,” he wrote.

Derby Street Snack Bar owner Peter Devoy with his famous potato scallop in the homemade batter.

“Unfortunately we can do it no longer and those we owe need to be paid.

“20 years was always my goal and I achieved that last year with the dedication and commitment of the team of women around me, and that I hold as an achievement in itself.

“Yes it is the end of an era for us and for all our beloved friends, family and associates but tomorrow is another day and we will all move on, I do hope someone does something great with Derby and makes you all some great tucker too and gets to know you all like we all have.”

Lambeth's store on Derby Street in the 1991 floods.

The business traded as Derby St Snack Bar at 76 Derby St, Rockhampton City, and was registered in 2003.

Mr Devoy took over the Derby Street Snack Bar in 2003 and celebrated 20 years of business in October 2023.

At the time, he told this publication the number one product he has made over the years is the potato scallop.

He believes the property at 76 Derby Street has been a business for more than 100 years, with June and Bob Lambeth having the store for many years and other versions of a snack bar and a corner shop.

Originally published as Rockhampton’s Derby St Snack Bar moved into liquidation