AFTER years of lost revenue and endless unheeded complaints from both locals and holidaymakers, it seems a restaurant is again on the menu at the Scottburgh beachfront pavilion.
Residents are desperate to see the ‘white elephant’ on the beachfront filled with tenants that will attract visitors and help top up the town’s coffers.
The Mid South Coast Mail has been tipped off that Tswella Trading 88cc, trading under the John Dory’s franchise, will open its doors at the end of March.
And although it’s not the iconic Wimpy, excitement is building and a local recruitment agency has already sent out a notice advertising vacancies.
The beachfront pavilion has had two premises vacant for the past few years, and has been the subject of much controversy.
However, not everyone is excited. The feeling in some quarters is that a seafood restaurant may not be the best option.
“A Wimpy, a Nino’s or even a Mugg and Bean would have been better. They provide cheaper alternatives and are breakfast friendly. Locals get enough fish,” said one business owner who preferred to stay anonymous.
Lorraine Cordner also felt that John Dory’s was not ideal. “Spur would be good, a Wimpy okay,” she said.
One thing is not in dispute: the relief that a tenant has finally been found. Now locals are urging the municipality not to stop halfway, but to ensure that the other premises are filled too.
During the December holidays Pretoria resident Dawid van Zyl visited the Mail’s offices to complain about the lack of facilities and restaurants on the beachfront.
The Mail decided to contact him and ask his opinion. “Finally Scottburgh will again have something to offer. This is just what holidaymakers want. When we are on holiday we want the South Coast lifestyle, we want to experience it. Seafood is part of that experience, more so than a Wimpy. And although I must admit that my childhood memories are still of the old Golden Egg, I am just happy that that spot has finally been filled.”
The new owner of the restaurant could not be reached for comment.
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