New restaurant goes all in on Douglas

Business Feature

Jeremy Lebeuf

Feature Writer

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Craig and Cassie MacLennan. The new owners are very excited to work alongside the towns award winning restaurants. Image: Jeremy Lebeuf.

Craig and Cassie MacLennan owners of Port Douglas' newest and exciting seafood restaurant, Wharfside Kitchen took control of their destiny in uncertain times to follow their dreams in a community they fell in love with.

The two hospitality specialists with well over 20 plus years in the business from dish pit to head chef to GM ditched their jobs, bankrolled their savings to create a restaurant that has the hallmarks of becoming a Port Douglas Icon.


“We were humble hospitality workers that took a chance at a bit of dream that so few people get the opportunity to do in running our own restaurant rather than someone else's.

“We have put our savings, heart, and soul into trying to make this a success and hope it can be used as a springboard to maybe do other things in town and become a part of the Port Douglas area for years to come,” said Craig.

On top of starting a new venture during a pandemic the doors opened in mid-August on a Friday that just happened to be the thirteenth, you would think the odds were stacked be against them.

With determination, true grit, and a lot of hard yakka the two won’t let their dream fold and the gamble is looking up. They have been pleasantly surprised by the support of the community and neighbouring businesses which keeps them extremely optimistic.

“As if the timing wasn't bad enough already and despite it being very quiet ever since we've managed to hang on.”

“The feedback so far has been great from those that have dined with us and we have been very fortunate to have a lot of repeat customers with quite a few have even been over a half a dozen times,” said Craig.

Taking over a prominent spot along Wharf Street near familiar Melaleuca and Salsa – Wharfside Kitchen is a fresh opportunity to try something new while marvelling at the idyllic sunsets over the Coral Sea. Or a must on market day taking in the buzz of activity sipping on something nice while relaxing in comfort on the cool patio, being pet friendly makes it easy like Sunday morning.

As for what you can expect on the menu, Cass who takes care of the cheffing while Craig covers the front of house said the food matches the environment - fresh, playful, house-made tasting dishes.

“For us, food is about bringing the finest ingredients, fresh flavours, and our community together. We endeavour to source all our ingredients from local farmers and producers because we know you can taste the difference and we think you'll agree,” said Cassie.

The colourful offerings are fine dining unlaced, a bid to satisfy extravagant tastebuds without the fuss, Cass and Craig have nailed the impossible combination of delicious, simple, elegant food wrapped in super friendly hospitality.

A place for the family, date night, celebrations (they are right across the street from wedding favourite St Mary’s), come dressed to the nines or fresh off the beach – you’ll feel welcome and at home.

The day-to-night spot is already known for their daily lunch specials and their playful twist on happy hour with a different happiness option each day – check out Sunday’s super happy hour.

Perhaps what Cassie and Craig bring to Wharfside Kitchen that you won’t get anywhere else is their unique take on hospitality, you see to them it's more than service, service is technical – but hospitality surrounds you, you can feel it.

With their combined hospitality IQ through years of vast experience that spans globally from Canada, Dubai, and throughout Australia the learned hospitality is a feel-good economy – they feel good by making their guests feel good, cared for, safe and unrushed.

Regardless of pandemics, Friday the 13th or opening on the cusp of a lockdown, in their short time of welcoming guests to Wharfside Kitchen Craig and Cass have already proven they have the resilience and fortitude that many Port Douglas mainstays possess. It’s with this moxy that we can look forward to celebrating milestones with them for years to come.

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Address:
Wharfside Kitchen is located at 20 Wharf Street Port Douglas.

Contact details:
Website: www.wharfsidekitchen.com
Facebook: @WharfsideKitchen
Phone: (07) 4243 5725
Port Douglas Travel Panner Listing

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