Booked out
Staff shortages to blame
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.