Update
Bayside Council has responded to an inquiry from the Leader regarding the closure of a much-loved restaurant in St George.
The Leader reported yesterday that one of the region's most loved restaurants, Omeros on the Beach at Ramsgate Beach, had closed its doors for good after almost 20 years in business.
It was opened in 2002 by John Omeros and his wife Effie. Mr Omeros came from a long line of restauraters.
The closure was announced in a post on the restaurant's website and Facebook page.
It reportedly came about because the restaurant was unable to renew its lease, which is managed by Bayside Council.
The Leader Facebook page has been flooded with comments from readers in support of the restaurant, with many blaming the council for the closure.
In response to inquiries from the Leader, a spokesman for the council said Omeros on the Beach was located on Crown Land and was subject to a lease that expired on March 7, 2021.
"Council manages both the Crown Reserve and the lease relating to the restaurant," the spokesman said.
"As commercial agreements expire over community and Crown Land, council is obliged to conduct a public marketing campaign and tender process prior to entering into new agreements, in particular where the properties have not been offered to the market for an extended period of time.
"Council will soon call for public tenders to lease the space and the existing operator has been advised that they are welcome to make a submission.
"The process of tendering commercial leases aligns with the recent process conducted for the Cahill Park Cafe (Wolli Creek) and the C-Side Cafe/Restaurant (Kyeemagh), and forthcoming sites, such as the proposed replacement of the Le Beach Hut Cafe/Restaurant."
Earlier
One of the St George regions most loved restaurants has closed its doors for good after almost 20 years in business.
Omeros on the Beach at Ramsgate Beach announced in a post on its website that it had closed its doors permanently on March 21.
It was opened in 2002 by John Omeros and his wife Effie. Mr Omeros came from a long line of restauraters.
The closure reportedly came about because the restaurant was unable to renew its lease, which is managed by Bayside Council.
The Leader has asked Bayside Council to comment.
The restaurant had won numerous awards, including the Restaurant & Catering NSW Awards for Excellence for best formal seafood restaurant in 2019 and 2020.
It had also won numerous Leader St George Business Awards, including 2015 Business of the Year, and was awarded one hat in the prestigious Gault & Millaut restaurant guide in 2016 and 2017.
"It is with much disappointment, and sadness, as we are unable to renew our lease, we've closed our restaurant as of March 21, 2021," the post said.
"Omeros on the Beach opened in 2002 and from very humble beginnings, slowly evolved into our most successful multi-award winning restaurant.
"We renovated the council building and turned it into the beautiful restaurant you have all come to love.
"We're very proud of our three-generation family business, celebrating over 50 years, starting with The Paragon, La Perouse in 1970 and several other restaurants over the years.
"Despite some tough times, our family never gave up and went on to become bigger and better than ever, a monumental achievement. We'll have many great memories to cherish.
"Much appreciation for all your love and support to our staff, and all our loyal customers over the years, who many have become extended family members."