Icon ready for new owner
AFTER sitting vacant since a fire tore through it in September 2016, the owner of the famous Rex Breakfast and Burger Bar on Sheridan St is trying again to find a buyer.
The 628sqm site was completely rebuilt after a wok caught fire and caused an inferno which gutted the building.
It was on the market in 2017, but a buyer could not be found.
Zoned commercial, the property is adjacent to offices, car rental companies and residential unit blocks.
Owner at the time of the fire, Francisco Ricardo, who bought the business eight years earlier, had told the Cairns Post he wanted to reopen again as soon as possible.
The cafe had been a fixture in the city for the past 30 years.
Knight Frank Cairns agent Rob Macfarlane said the building’s prominent position at North Cairns provided excellent exposure to passing traffic.
“The property allows for strong signage opportunities for the new owner,” he said.
“The ground floor cafe/ burger bar section has been fully refurbished, with all new equipment and fixtures, and this allows for a new owner operator to step in and start trading straight away.
“There is also an older style Queenslander residence above, which does require some refurbishment, consisting of two bedrooms, timber floors and an open plan living area overlooking the rear yard.
“There is also a large covered storage area downstairs behind the cafe.
“The property allows someone to operate a cafe burger bar/cafe downstairs while also living on site upstairs.
“The neighbouring properties will allow for a constant customer base for the new cafe/burger bar operator.”
The property is listed for sale at $595,000.