Old Weis building up for an overhaul

THE now-closed Weis Restaurant could become both a medical facility and a cafe under its new owner.

LJ Hooker Commercial confirmed there were leases for both structures on the property in East Toowoomba, with the main restaurant and the backdoor takeaway building available to businesses.

The freehold building was bought by a company part-owned by Toowoomba businessman and lawyer Stephen Roche last month for $3 million.

LJ Hooker Commercial principal Mike Stewart said the property had plenty of opportunities for a variety of commercial enterprises.

“The larger building, which is the restaurant, is being stripped with the owner now intending to redevelop the space as offices for medical/paramedical or general office depending on council approval. The area of the restaurant is 486 square metres,” he said.

“The main restaurant is being transformed into offices, however the separate “backdoor restaurant” is to remain and is available for lease.

“In the past week or so, I’ve had an inquiry already.”

Perched on nearly 5000sq m at the top of the Toowoomba Range, Weis ran continuously for 46 years before it was closed in March 2015.

Restaurant owner John Pohlman Jr said at the time it had to close because of economic factors and the Toowoomba Regional Council’s decision to reject an application for a permanent marquee.

Mr Roche was approached for comment.

Toowoomba Chronicle readers stated they would like to see the building remain an eatery, with a poll revealing more than 80% of respondents wanted to keep it as a restaurant.