Booked out

Staff shortages to blame

Paul Makin

Journalist

Email Paul
Last updated:
Paul Kelly from Salsa Bar and Grill says it’s a full book up until the first week in October Image Paul Makin|FAB FM

Port Douglas restaurants are putting the full sign up as many locals and visitors find it almost impossible to get a table. At least one iconic eatery is booked out until the first week of October. Salsa Bar and Grill on Wharf Street has bookings up until October 7th and as you read this article, it could now be the 8th, 9th, or 10th.

Paul Kelly from Salsa told Newsport it’s very frustrating, not only for patrons but the restaurant itself, “We want to accommodate as many as we can but it’s just impossible with a lack of staff available” he said.

Salsa and others need staff desperately

Salsa has advertised for staff including chefs and are offering generous incentives, but there’s no takers. Lack of accommodation is one of the main reasons for staff shortages. Obviously Council don’t have the will to provide such digs so ultimately, it’s up to private individuals or companies to build something for prospective staff. There are two backpacker accommodation places in the town but there is a rumour doing the rounds that Dougies Backpackers has been sold and will close. That is NOT the case according to General Manager and one of the owners, Stephen Yarr. Stephen told Newsport that Dougies was put up for sale “It was on the market last year but taken off in February and at this stage Dougies is continuing on, rest assured if the situation changes in any way, we’ll let people know” he said. Dougies Backpackers plays a significant role in providing low-cost accommodation for hospitality industry workers, and if it was ever to go, it would be disastrous for the town.

Airbnb not helping

As my colleague Mary Banfield pointed out in a Newsport article on Saturday, properties converting to Airbnb have exacerbated the housing shortage. Mary pointed out that between Port Douglas and Craiglie, 710 apartments and hotel rooms were listed on Airbnb, and 28 private rooms.

And as we were saying

Across the road from Salsa Bar and Grill, the Seabean Tapas Bar is booked out for at least a month. Owner Henry Johnston told us “We’re booked out for four weeks but occasionally we can accommodate a walk in, it just depends on how busy we are at the time”. Several restaurant owners have told Newsport that if diners are prepared to eat early (5.30pm) they may get in, but it’s still the luck of the draw.

Some other restaurants around town

Zinc
According to their booking website there are some 9pm availability starting 22nd of August.

Watergate

Two weeks wait but check with them for early sittings.

Sassi

One week at this stage.

Wharfside Kitchen

One week wait as of now, but in an interesting development, the restaurant is having a name and menu change next Sunday the 14th of August. Welcome to ‘Wharf Street Social’. The good news is they have a clean slate for bookings starting NOW.

Nautilus

According to their phone message they have limited availability for the next three months.

Star of Siam

A two to three day wait only.

Kai

They only accept bookings up to two days out, to cater for as many people as they can.

Good luck.

Henry Johnston has told Newsport it’s a four week wait at Seabean IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM

Thank you!

Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.

Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.

* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.