Revelations of yet another business closure in the Wellington Shire region has ignited public outrage, with thousands of social media users sharing their objections and criticising the local council over the pending closure of Sale cafe and cocktail-wine bar Portside Food + Wine.
Portside Food + Wine, operating out of The Wedge Performing Arts Centre at the Port of Sale, will close at the end of January 2023, following a lengthy tenancy dispute with Wellington Shire Council.
Molly and Jim Inglis, owners of the ever-popular Sale hospitality venue, announced the closure last week, revealing they were unable to reach an agreement with Wellington Shire Council over the length and terms of a new service agreement, which would include a temporary closure 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,” Mr and 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.”
The end of Portside comes off the back of Saputo Dairy Australia’s Maffra factory closure announcements, and less than three months after Port Albert Wharf Fish and Chips was forced to close when its seven-year lease with Wellington Shire Council expired.
After initially declining to comment, Wellington Shire Council has since spoken out about the closure, announcing they recently advised Portside Food + Wine that a significant refurbishment of The Wedge would be considered in two years, requiring the cafe to close for up to six months.
“The redevelopment will include more toilet facilities and consider enlarging the main theatre,” a spokesperson from Wellington Shire Council said.
“Portside Food + Wine currently lease the restaurant portion of The Wedge Performing Arts Centre at 100 Foster Street in Sale, and as such, were advised of this future change to services.
“Portside Food + Wine was advised and understood that a closure of up to six months would need to take place to allow for work to be completed and chose not to renew their lease with the Wellington Shire Council after January 31 2023.
“It is important to council that we remain transparent with both the community and the tenants regarding changes that will impact business as usual for any of our operates and echo Portside Food + Wine’s disappointment that a mutually beneficial agreement couldn’t be met.”
Mr and Mrs Inglis have been explicit that they had no choice but to walk away and are doing so with heavy hearts.
“Our staff make Portside what it is, a friendly and welcoming space with delicious menu options for everyone to enjoy,” they said.
“They have stood beside us throughout the good times and bad, the beginning, COVID, and now – we will be forever grateful to you all.”
Wellington Shire Councillors acknowledged Mr and Mrs Inglis for “the wonderful service” Portside Food + Wine provides, and confirmed they would be advertising Expressions of Interest for a new operator soon.
