Iconic Queenscliff burger joint Salty Rooster will tomorrow close its doors for the last time after over 20 years of service to the Northern Beaches.
The announcement took many locals by surprise, however, since the sudden death of its owner, Jimmy Sagiotis, in 2023, manning the store was an uphill battle, according to his fiancée, Claudine, who took over operations with Jimmy’s mother Sophia.
“It’s been a long, two and a half year journey of battling through since he passed,” Claudine told Manly Observer in a moment of calm during a bustling lunch time rush, “we’re super grateful for all the community support from the locals, to Stella Maris to the Northern Beaches Council to the Surf Life Saving Club, Queenscliff Boardriders, Lifeline, you’ve all been amazing, and we’ll never forget the good times we’ve all shared.”
The store will officially close this Sunday, 8 March 2026. Though it has experienced a significant surge in customers since announcing its imminent closure, an unfortunate series of business-deterrent events over the summer – from shark attacks to torrential weather – cemented the financial hardship for Salty Rooster, making relocating to another area unviable.
Still, regulars, supporters and nostalgia seekers alike have been lining the outside of the store in sweltering March humidity to get some of the final tastes of their favourites.
“I’ve lived in the area my whole life… So yeah, really sad to see them go, probably the best burgers around here,” said Dave Rohloff, who asserted the Mexican Can Combo was the ultimate menu item.
Local Jack Potter reminisced, strolling to the burger spot on a late Sunday morning after a “big night,” sharing that although it will be sad to see the connections it’s made with locals go, he “wishes them the best.”
It was a common scene, locals were sad to see the restaurant go but sympathetic for the rough go the custodians of the chicken shop had endured.
“It’s a real shame it’s such a wonderful spot. I’m a regular down here,” said Queenscliff local Wallace E Meakes, “and I really enjoy the ambience, and the beautiful staff are lovely people, and it’s just one of those things we’re going to miss a lot… so it’s a little bit sad. But, obviously, they have their own reasons for doing it.”
A Bittersweet Back Story
Jimmy had become quite the public figure since opening Salty Rooster in Narrabeen in 2005. After three years, he moved the store to Queenscliff in 2008, where he and the store’s notoriety took off.
On Manly Observer’s post revealing the store’s closure, many regular customers remembered seeing his smiling face and eagerness to chat. People reminisced on the joys of heading to the shop for after-school feeds or lunchtime work breaks. Many have even worked under Jimmy, with Salty Rooster being their first job.
Life was tough for Jimmy and his family over the past decade. In 2017, his wife passed away from health complications.
Even through this shattering time, he dedicated himself to his boys, Harrison and Hudson, and managing the business, before meeting his fiancée, Claudine, and merging their families with her children Eli and Amelie, becoming a father of four.
Soon, tragedy struck again when Jimmy suffered multiple heart attacks, with surgeons unable to save him.
The family was devastated, but, with true Sagiotis spirit, they soldiered on with Jimmy’s mother, Sophia, and Claudine vowing to continue his legacy by running the store. And they did, for two and a half years.
However, Sophia became injured and was unable to continue the work, leaving Claudine to keep the store going.
More Than Just A Hole In The Wall
Jimmy had more than just a business in a community, but rather a community-focused business. He served the area providing delicious food, meaningful conversations, fulfilling employment opportunities and even charitable endeavours – such as his work with Things To Do With Kidz, a not-for-profit dedicated to helping children who have suffered the loss of a parent.
And even when Jimmy’s vision was cut short, his mother and fiancée continued his legacy, keeping the flame alive and community connections intact, with the help of their loyal staff, for as long as they were able.
“It’s certainly not easy to say goodbye to all the people that have been part of our family and community, that is, Salty Rooster. Our staff have been amazing, and they will always be like family to me. We’ve been through thick and thin together, and they’ve shown me how resilient and tenacious they are, and I will always be grateful for the times we shared,” Claudine said.
“I just also want to say that I’m sure his legacy will live on, irrespective of Salty Rooster, the support from the community, and just knowing what an amazing product and menu he put together all these years that stood the test of time, I’m sure will always be remembered, and Queensie will never be the same.”
Jimmy’s name and restaurant are immortalised on a bench overlooking Queenscliff Beach, as many people have done for years while enjoying their Salty Rooster feed.
