Weis Restaurant site hits market

THE site of Weis Seafood Restaurant, a centrepiece of Toowoomba’s social history for almost 50 years, has been placed on the market though an Expression of Interest campaign.

LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba principal Mike Stewart said the now closed dining and function centre, located on a 4882sq m site on the corner of Margaret St and Tourist Rd, could be re-opened as another hospitality venture or re-developed.

“It’s an iconic site, not just for its contribution to Toowoomba and the Southern Downs’ social and dining scene, but also because of its position at the gateway to the city’s CBD,’’ said Mr Stewart.

“It’s an expansive site and its Low-Medium Density Residential/Urban Residential Precinct zoning presents a very broad scope of opportunity for an operator with a vision for a new business use.’’

The site zoning allows for a plethora of uses including a child care centre, community services, medical or food and drink.

Weis Seafood Restaurant ceased trading at the premises on March 1 after 46 years.

The property currently contains 69 car spaces and landscaped gardens throughout.

Mr Stewart anticipated the restaurant’s profile throughout Toowoomba and Southern Queensland would generate strong interest.

“It was one of the longest running restaurants in the state,” he said.

“For decades, families used to travel great distances on Sundays to eat at Weis’.

“But eating out has changed considerably over time, moving more toward convenient, fast and funky dining options.

“It’s very difficult for traditional experience of the big seater restaurants like Weis’ to compete with current trends.

“The right business person could definitely re-imagine the site as another restaurant under a different business model.

“Equally, a buyer could also work with council to bring a new development to the site.’’ Expressions of Interest close on June 18. For enquiries, contact Mike Stewart at LJ Hooker Commercial Toowoomba on 0418 717 361.