Merivale’s Manly waterfront Cantonese restaurant Queen Chow has confirmed it will close its doors on August 5, the latest in a string of early departures as the new wharf owners take over the site. So what’s next?
The wharf was purchased by the Artemus Group in 2023, having already revived a wharf precinct in the Brisbane area called Howard Smith Wharves—a development that has been broadly well-received and well-patronized.
Artemus, co-founded by Adam Flaskas and Paul Henry, with Luke Fraser as CEO, purchased the lease for Manly Wharf from Robert Magid’s TMG Developments in 2023. Magid had acquired the long-term leasehold in 1995. The land at the wharf, as well as the nearby Aquarium site, is owned by Roads and Maritime Services.
The group’s first move was to take over and rebrand Manly Wharf Hotel, which is now known as Felon’s Manly, followed by an application to turn the former Aldi supermarket site into a microbrewery, which was recently approved (more on that below). They then purchased but retained beloved institution Hugo’s, before giving Hunter Street Hospitality venues Sake, El Cantina, and The Bavarian an offer they couldn’t refuse to terminate their long leases early.
What’s going in their place upstairs? They won’t reveal. There are whispers of it being a function space, thought perhaps they have cleared the decks for higher development. Flaskas is a very successful property developer. Artemus’ CEO Luke Fraser is the President of the Queensland’s Property Council; they are no strangers to big ideas and bigger buildings.
Downstairs, The Bavarian has since been replaced by Felon’s Seafood, an upmarket but accessible venue focused on simple seafood preparation using local, fresh produce.
There is far from local consensus on the takeover, with broad support for upgrades including improved restroom accessibility and good food quality, but frustration over a model that confines beer options to the Felons brand and food that’s on the pricier side.
The wharf’s cheap eats like Chat Thai, as well as Betty’s Burgers and the convenience store, have all been moved on.
So, What’s the Big Idea?
Planning permission has already been granted for Artemus to convert the former Aldi supermarket at the wharf into a Felons microbrewery as well as a beer hall/pub and on the outside a children’s playground space using a repurposed boat, similar to what exists at their Brisbane offering.
There’s also quite a few changes planned for the fencing and the amphitheatre seating and steps near the East Esplanade walkway. You can view the stamped plans here.
Owners, including their hired PR company Akin Agency, remain tight lipped on broader plans for the site, though they have promised us from the outset it will not be some gentrified tourist trap.
Flaskas has envisaged transforming Manly wharf into a “thriving community and cultural hub”. “We are champions of local talent and suppliers and are proud to be building a legacy for future generations to enjoy,” he said at the outset of the takeover.
They have promised us from the outset it will not be some gentrified tourist trap.
Queen Chow, which opened in 2018, will have its last day of trade on Tuesday, August 5. The Merivale creation issued a statement last week sending “heartfelt thanks to the local community for its unwavering support” and stating it is “actively working with affected team members to explore new opportunities within its broader hospitality portfolio.”
The next question on everyone’s lips is what the future holds for popular burrito chain Guzman Y Gomez, arguably the gateway to the wharf. We’ve asked around but the answer remains, ahem, under wraps… Word on the street, however, is that they’ve been asked to go and will be replaced with a Felons Italian offering.
