A coastal cafe hotspot is set for a major refit and a menu transformation centred around wholefoods and nutritional value, according to a business plan from its potential new owners and the Town of Cottesloe.
Kailis Hospitality is understood to have committed $600,000 to $1m to transform well-known Marine Parade cafe Barchetta into a wholefoods-type operation, ideal for a “vegetarian/vegan lifestyle”.
The proposed menu includes healthy delicacies, with oat-meal bowls, smoothies, acai and sugar-free desserts on offer, as well as a nutritionist working alongside chefs.
House-boiled and cooked tonic/elixirs are expected to hit the drinks menu and the wine and beer list will be curated by a “Kailis sommelier team”.
According to the business plan, the concept considers “what is healthy for both the body and the environment”.
The refit plans include a makeover of Barchetta’s interiors, with custom furnishings and joinery, kitchen renovations, a new colour scheme and a complete refurbishment of the alfresco dining area.
Hospitality maestro George Kailis is behind a series of established beachfront dining destinations in Perth and will be officially handed the sought-after Cottesloe cafe lease subject to a six-week public comment period, which is currently underway.
Among its other entities are The Shorehouse in Swanbourne, Kailis Fish Market Cafe in Fremantle and Island Market and Canteen in Trigg, the last of which has already forged success in the wholefoods market.
Operators Chris King and his family confirmed via social media on May 29 that the Barchetta era ended this weekend.
“It’s with great sadness we would like to share some news about Barchetta,” the post said.
“Sadly, we must inform you our lease is coming to an end and our last day will be June 11th.”
Signed by Chris, Jane, Phil and Ben King, the post said it was a “joy to be part of your lives” and to have created a “place that felt like home”.
Subsequent posts advertised the sale of Barchetta’s decor, including chairs, cutlery, coffee grinders and even the cafe’s iconic “bum” tables.
The Town of Cottesloe’s support for Kailis as its preferred cafe operator was made public after a special council meeting in May, where mayor Lorraine Young said the decision had not been made lightly.
“We are a small local government and we are aware the decision has consequences,” she said to a public gallery filled by only the King family.
The business plan said the town expected the Kailis Hospitality Group to lift the quality of dining along Cottesloe’s beachfront.
“Arguably, the KHG lease will enable a higher standard of hospitality offering, meeting the community’s and council’s aspirations for the future of Cottesloe,” it read.
“An international profile means that the council is under some pressure (to meet) the standard expected of major tourism destinations.”
The business plan is out for public comment until July 14.
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