Owners of Sealevel restaurant at North Cronulla will give the adjoining Alley Break outdoor cafe a major makeover before reopening it with a new name – Next Door.
The well-known Allouche family, who own both eateries, plan to give the cafe a roof, instead of umbrellas, a small outdoor bar and glass stacking doors around the perimeter, which would remain open most of the time.
For about the last 15 years, the Alley Break premises, which used to be one shop before expanding into two, were leased to other operators.
Ray Nelson and his family operated Alley Break before developing Zimzala on Cronulla beach.
With the next generation of the Allouche family having taken over the running of Sealevel, they believe they have the capacity to operate both businesses successfully.
Claude and David Allouche say they have have “passed on their passion for the industry” to their sons, Nathan (head chef), Marc, Blake and Adam.
Blake Allouche said they would take back the Alley Break premises on July 3 and, after renovations that were expected to take 10-12 weeks, would reopoen in September.
“We have always planned to get it back, but now is the right time with the four boys running Sealevel and being able to spread ourselves,” he said.
Mr Allouche said Next Door cafe would “be a lot more casual” than Sealevel, with lower prices.
A development application lodged with Sutherland Shire Council estimated the cost of the renovations at $75,000.
A statement of environmental effects said the licensed outdoor seating area would be reduced from 41.6 square metres to 38.4 square metres and changed in configuration to become a more regular shape.
“A new roof will be constructed over the outdoor area,” the report said.
“Glass stacking doors will also be installed around the perimeter of this area, however these will only be used to secure the area after hours.
“The existing paving will be made good and a new bench and servery installed.
“The existing planter box in front of the Alley Break cafe will be removed and replaced with a smaller re-landscaped planter.
“This, together with the reconfigured outdoor seating area will significantly improve and open up the public domain in this area.
“A small additional planter will also be incorporated along the western side of the redefined outdoor seating area.”
The report said the proposed changes would assist in opening up the public domain and significantly upgrade the appearance of the cafe when viewed from Perryman Square.
The new roof would complement the alignment, height and style of Sealevel’s covered outdoor seating area.
“The space overall will be rationalised and made more secure at night which is important in this heavily pedestrianised area,” the report said.
“The natural environment will be enhanced by removal of a diseased date palm and replacement with more suitable and attractive landscaping.”