New eatery for Derby

• The new building planned as retail space, but to become Derby’s latest restaurant.

By Tony Scott,
June 21, 2021

Derby is to get a new restaurant, claimed to be one of the first business establishments newly built in the town for decades.

The man behind the project, Grant Kearney, said he had altered plans for the Main Street premises from two retail spaces to a restaurant in response to strong demand for more food outlets.

“There’s no criticism of current establishments, but when the place is busy they can only do so much.

“Places like the Hub and the Dorset Hotel just can’t cope and want us to give them a hand,” he said.

The restaurant will occupy the Street-level site at 69 Main Street with two accommodation units downstairs at the rear.

“We’re going to live in one of the units, because we’re absolutely committed to the place, and the other will be available for longer term tenants.

“There’s a real need for long term accommodation in the area for workers,” Mr Kearney said.  

The development had already cost in the order of $2 million and, according to an application to Dorset Council, the restaurant development is due to take another $250,000 for cool room, commercial kitchen and fit out.

Mr Kearney said what type of eatery would result was still to be determined with input from prospective operators.

He intends having the restaurant open for the coming busy season.

“We had intended having a retail space and a café before so it’s really a matter of extending the area available for dining. 

“It could be a bistro style or even up to fine dining.”

He said the setting of the new building, with a rare deck overlooking the river would add to the atmosphere.

“Derby’s got to rise to the occasion.

“We’re attracting riders from around Australia and throughout the world when things are normal.

“But they expect to be able to eat well after their experience on the bike trails,” he said.