Having just been awarded a new 20 year lease with Northern Beaches Council, South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated is seeking the submission of proposals to operate the much loved, dog-friendly beach café within the clubhouse.
Club President Matt Campbell said the call for tenders was a requirement as a Crown asset, and not a reflection on the incumbent operators, Gusto.
“The café is an integral part of the Club”, said Mr Campbell. “It’s been operating for over 20 years under various operators including Landmark, Seven Mile and most recently, Gusto owned by Belaroma… and each operator has added their own improvements. It’s time to continue that process,” he said.
“The café is a much-loved venue, attracting everyone from early-morning swimmers and those enjoying the beautiful boardwalk around South Curl Curl headland cliff top, to couples strolling the sands, young mums with their babies and die-hard surfers taking a break between sessions.
“It’s busy year-round and is renowned for serving great locally roasted coffee and light and bright food, enjoyed while soaking up the stunning vista of the South Curl Curl ocean pool and an endless panorama of rolling surf.
“In line with our new lease, we are now offering an awesome opportunity for an operator to create the best possible amenity of its type for the local community. The café has generated a very healthy revenue turnover since 2019 and there’s no reason that trend shouldn’t continue. We’re looking for people who believe they have the necessary skills and experience to continue operating the facility for the benefit of both the non-profit club and the local community.
“We are now offering an awesome opportunity for an operator to create the best possible amenity of its type for the local community.”
“To that end, we’re hoping each tender will offer new, creative ideas with regard the possible expansion of the café and its services. As an example, extended trading hours may form part of a proposal, (as long as we ensure we don’t annoy local residents in any way). Menu options, staffing and value to customers will all be considered. The new agreement would cover five years plus a three year option, subject to a rent review.”
Manly Observer spoke with Lisa and Brendan of Gusto, who confirmed they will be submitting a proposal to continue operating the venue. “We don’t want to comment too much, given we’ll be part of the tender process,” said Lisa, but I would like to thank all our wonderful customers. We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Gusto on the Beach and certainly hope we’ll be able to continue serving our friendly South Curl Curl crowd into the future.”
Think you can do better than what’s already there? Prospective operators are invited to drop in to inspect the premises and consider the opportunities presented. Meetings can be arranged by email at scc_cafe_rfp@southcurlcurlslsc.com.au Request for Proposal (RFP) can be found at here.
The deadline for the receipt of tender proposals at the above email address is 5.00pm on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Mr Campbell said that all submissions will be evaluated in early April with a decision to be made by April 15. The hope is that the new (or incumbent) operator will commence on 1 May.
