Thai’s bold expansion
Popular eatery on the move
POPULAR Cairns restaurateur Joel Cruz has turned a global pandemic into a golden opportunity by expanding into new premises.
He has closed his busy Thai Coins eatery at 371 Mulgrave Rd, moving closer to town and into the premises vacated by Yankee D’s burger and seafood bar at 312 Mulgrave Rd.
“Everyone was upset when I told them I was closing, but gave a big smile again when I said I am opening in a couple of weeks,” Mr Cruz said.
Yankee D’s fell victim to the COVID-19 virus, closing not long after Queensland went into lockdown.
Mr Cruz said his new landlord had made an attractive offer he couldn’t refuse with a three-month rent holiday followed by a 50 per cent discount on rent while coronavirus restrictions were in place.
“I can’t say no to that. It’s meant to be I suppose.”
He said it came at the perfect
This ad was supported by: time as he had been thinking about relocating into more spacious premises for the past three years.
“I’ve been trading there for 15 years, starting with a takeaway, then adding two tables for people to sit down. Two tables became 10 and then 20.
“Every couple of years it got bigger and bigger,” he said.
“The old location had become too small for what we are doing. The numbers will be the same in the new restaurant, but the kitchen is more functional and suitable.”
Mr Cruz said his children had grown up in the restaurant and his customers had become like family, supporting him during the crisis and even offering to deliver orders.
“I’ve helped schools with vouchers and sponsored sports over the years, so what goes around, comes around.”
Mr Cruz said he managed to keep six jobs going during the lockdown, gained new customers and enjoyed a 20 per cent jump in takeaway orders.
He expects to reopen for takeaways within two weeks and for dine-in customers in the next three weeks.
Violent row alleged
A 35-YEAR-OLD Pormpuraaw woman has been charged following a domestic dispute that left a 63-year-old woman with serious head injuries. It will be alleged the pair was at home in Pormpuraaw on Saturday night when an argument broke out about 11pm. The 35-year-old woman allegedly struck the older woman several times in the head with a stick, rendering the older woman unconscious. The 63year-old was later flown to Cairns with critical injuries.
$1m pump revamp
AN INVESTMENT of almost $1 million is on the cards to relocate and build a new sewage pump station in Manunda. Cairns Regional Council has awarded a $644,725 contract to Koppens Developments to undertake works as part of the $996,000 project. The current pump station, built about 50 years ago, is located on the north side of Birch St — which is now considered a major road. Hunt St has been identified as a more appropriate location for the new sewage pump station, due for completion in December.
Stinger nets taken in
STINGER nets will be removed from beaches across the Far North this week from Port Douglas to Mission Beach, signalling the end of the high-risk stinger season. The removal follows extensive drags by lifeguards in recent weeks.