Burger bar loses bite

ONE of the city’s bestknown eateries has closed its doors, struggling to rebound from a quiet Commonwealth Games and flat Broadbeach trading.

Vegan eatery Feed the Earthlings served just 12 people on Tuesday, its worst day since opening in November 2016, and its takings were not enough to cover wages.

Co-owner Teaki Page said trading was down about 80 per cent on the same time last year.

Over the past two years, the store was voted Best of the Gold Coast for its burgers.

The closure adds to the growing list of Broadbeach eateries and retailers who have closed in the past six months, blaming the Commonwealth Games, high rents and prolonged redevelopment of Surf Parade.

Iconic restaurant Onyx was one of the more highprofile victims, shutting this month after 11 years.

At the time, Restaurant Industry Support Gold Coast Association president Glen Day said the four weeks leading up to the Games had been the “quietest time” he knew of in the past 40 years.

Feed the Earthlings coowner Phil Hancock said he and Ms Page would instead focus on their remaining store in Burleigh, which opened in January.

“The Commonwealth Games scared all the locals away,” he said.

“It started a few weeks before the Games. We had no regulars coming into the store. They were packing up and getting out.

“They stopped spending money because they were going on holidays. If you take away the customers — that’s two parents and two children — it’s going to cost you a lot of money.”

And as the Commonwealth Games came and passed, the trade failed to pick up.

Mr Hancock said Broadbeach had just gone quiet, with usually bustling restaurants empty.

He said parking spots in the precinct were so deserted that even the council parking inspectors had left.

“We don’t see council parking (inspectors), which is hugely telling. Usually, you see four or five on one day.”

Mr Hancock said the drop in trade had become increasing stressing.

“It’s a shame. (Broadbeach) is a good area.

“We know Broadbeach will pick up. We just can’t wait on it. It’s a tough one. It’s a relief now that what we’re doing will benefit our other store and pay off outstanding debts.”

Mr Hancock said there were plans to expand ther Burleigh store.

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