Another one bites the dust.
Popular hospitality business, Portside Food + Wine will permanently close after a lengthy tenancy dispute with Wellington Shire Council, sparking anger in the community.
The pending closure of the popular Sale café and cocktail-wine bar comes only months after Port Albert Wharf Fish and Chips was forced to close when its seven-year lease with the Wellington Shire Council expired.
People took to social media to share their outrage at the news as Portside Food + Wine owners Molly and Jim Inglis indicated they were left with no choice but to walk away after the tenancy dispute was not resolved.
“It is with much sadness that we will not be continuing at Portside after our current service agreement ends with the Wellington Shire on January 31, 2023,” Mr and Mrs Inglis said.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to reach an agreement with the Wellington Shire Council on the length and terms of a new service agreement and the amount of time the cafe would be expected to close for the proposed Wedge redevelopment.”
“As you can imagine, reaching this decision has been an immensely stressful time and not one we have come to with ease; we are sad for the community, but we hope to continue to trade until January 31.” Mrs Inglis said.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past five years operating this space, and can not thank our amazing team, both past and present, enough for all of their support.
“Our staff make Portside what it is, a friendly and welcoming space with delicious menu options for everyone to enjoy.
“They have stood beside us throughout the good times and bad, the beginning, COVID, and now – we will be forever grateful to you all.”
More than 30 local staff are responsible for the hospitality service provided by Portside Monday through Saturday from 7.30am until 4pm, Friday evenings from 5pm until late and from 5pm until late on show nights.
Wellington Shire Council declined to comment about the lease agreement or supply details of any broader commercial agreements.
They will release an EOI (Expression of Interest) to operate the space next week.
The end of Portside comes off the back of Saputo Dairy Australia’s November 9 announcements about the permanent closure of its Maffra factory early next year, with more than 100 local staff set to face unemployment in the new year.
Once again, social media users shared their outrage and devastation over the decision, many criticising Wellington Shire Council.
“That’s terrible news. People, including our family and friends, love Portside Food + Wine. It’s one of the nicest food places in Sale. Hopefully, there will be a change of heart,” Julie Di Pietro wrote.
“It’s disgusting that the local council is not supporting the local community,” another user commented.
“This would be one of the most successful businesses in this district, all due to the dedication of the entire management and staff,” John Treglown wrote.
“I really hope the voting public will see just how much these elected councillors look after our local businesses. Not at all what I would have expected.”
“My husband and I are disgusted that we are losing this wonderful restaurant. Devastated for the owners and staff who have always given 110 per cent to their customers, have always felt like one of their family,” Mary Allison said.
“This is going to be a huge loss to our town as there is nothing else that comes close to Portside. Totally ashamed that our Wellington Council is not doing more.”
Portside Food + Wine spoke publicly about the pending closure for the first time on Wednesday, November 16, addressing rumours via a Facebook post.
The post gained more than 200 comments within the first two hours, with loyal customers sharing their sadness over the loss of the cafe and cocktail-wine bar on the Port of Sale shore.
“This place really is unique, and you’ve been there for us all when we needed it. I won’t bother looking for a replacement – there isn’t one!” Ysyllt Varta Rabey wrote.
“Really sad loss for the community and disappointing the council couldn’t see this when negotiating new terms. Do they forget so quickly the improvements you’ve made to the place and its reputation? Very doubtful they’ll be able to find anyone to fill your shoes,” another user commented.
There are no plans to relocate Portside another venue, nor do owners Molly and Jim Inglis intend to open another hospitality venue at this time.
“We have no plans at the moment to open another venue; we had planned to be at Portside until retirement,” Mrs Inglis said.
“We appreciate each and every one of our beautiful customers – we will never forget what a wonderful group of people we have had joining us along this journey, and look forward to enjoying time with you all over the next 10 weeks of trade.”
