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KFC to Rise at Site of Mexican Eatery Montezuma

Montezuma, Mount Gravatt’s popular Mexican eatery found on the corner of Logan Road and Lumley Street, could soon close to make way for a new KFC outlet following the filing of a development application with Council.

According to the plan (DA A005637253), Montezuma’s fitout will not be torn down. Instead, the structures will undergo refacing, modifications and installations as it rebrands into a KFC, the popular American fried chicken fast-food chain.

Collins Property Development Pty Ltd filed the application in mid-January 2021. The plan also includes a drive-through section via Lumley Street.

Per the application, parts of the car park area will be reduced from 55 to 31 to accommodate a pedestrian pathway and a dedicated loading bay.

KFC — Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

KFC — Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Mesa Australia Pty Ltd, which owns Montezuma, said that it’s still business as usual in their Mount Gravatt outlet, as they await the arrival of a new CEO by February.

The spokesperson didn’t reveal any relocation plans for Mount Gravatt. Montezuma has other outlets in Albany Creek, Capalaba, Taringa, and North Ipswich.

Montezuma has been a restaurant franchise since the late 1970s. As with other businesses in the food industry, the restaurant has scaled-down dine-in operations and has been offering takeaway options.

Appeal Lodged for Rejected Kessels Road Service Station, Fast Food Outlet Proposal

The developer of a planned service station and fast food outlet along the corner of Kessels Road and Mains Road in Macgregor has filed an appeal after the Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads rejected the application in November 2020.

According to the decision notice (DA A005114967), the project cannot proceed as it had “not adequately demonstrated compliance with the following applicable codes – Stormwater code, Landscape works code and the Transport, access, parking and servicing code.”

The plan will also create a “potential safety issue” as Kessels Road and Mains Road are major thoroughfares. Adding a service station and a fast food outlet with a drive-through service will “introduce a new conflict point.”

The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) said that four rear-end crashes resulting in the motorists’ medical treatments have occurred on the location within five years and the access arrangement provided by the developers “has the potential to increase the likelihood of rear-end crashes.”

Over 50,000 vehicles pass through this intersection every day whilst an additional 116 cars per hour has been projected if service station and fast food outlet were to be completed.

The developer, however, filed an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court on 11 Jan 2021 through its lawyer David Astill, who argued that the proposal will not “adversely impact” the safety, efficiency and traffic movements on the said roads.

Mr Astill also stated that the project’s overall outcome complies with the Mt Gravatt Corridor Neighbourhood Plan and will deliver the location’s economic need.

Concerned Stakeholders Launch Petition, Pledges to Save Seton College

A group of concerned stakeholders has launched a petition to Save Seton College from permanent closure in Mount Gravatt in 2024. The petition has received over 6,500 signatures whilst pledges to help reverse the proposal have reached more than 1,000.

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) announced late this year that Seton College will cease accepting new enrollees in 2021, claiming that enrolments have been dwindling in recent years.

The stakeholders are challenging BCE’s claims after learning that the school actually turned away 60 students in 2020. In 2019, the school apparently sent emails to parents that it reached maximum capacity “with a waiting list already in place.”

“It appears that BCE is orchestrating the decline in enrolments by enrolling less than 25% of applicants for year seven 2020, and, furthermore, stopping ALL and ANY future enrolments, regardless of year level,” the stakeholders said in a statement. “It appears BCE are winding things up much quicker than originally anticipated, with an exodus of teaching and support staff and the shocking redundancy of the school’s IT manager, who was recently applauded for his work in developing an effective online classroom platform during the COVID shutdown.”

The group has been holding Save Our Seton (SOS) meetings on the Zoom platform. The first meeting for next year is scheduled for 17 Jan 2021.

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Seton College is a typical co-educational Secondary College that offers personalised learning. It’s described as “the school that fills the gap between mainstream schools and special schools” for including individual student support, pastoral care and personality development that aren’t found in a mainstream school’s curriculum.

“Seton College is the most welcoming, helping, accepting and the best school I’ve ever been to,” a former student, Tayhlia Shaw, said when she launched the petition. “Education is taught in many different fun ways to help students not only enjoy their classes but take in more from what they are learning about.”

For updates on the activities of the SOS, follow their Facebook page or become a member on their official site.

Perfect Beginnings Upper Mt Gravatt Set for Expansion

A childcare centre in Upper Mt Gravatt has lodged a development application (DA) for expansion after reaching 98 percent of its capacity this year. Perfect Beginnings on 53 Klumpp Road is awaiting approval from Council to demolish a neigbouring property and begin its expansion construction.

The current facility on 55 Klumpp Road will also be partially demolished and re-established as a single two-storey structure with the new site. The proposal includes additional rooms, 28-spaces carpark and plenty of focus on nature play and greenery.

The move will expand the floor area from 354 sqm to 953 sqm. If all goes to plan, the expansion should be complete at the end of 2021 in time for the centre’s opening in February 2021.

Some 15 new job openings will have to be filled after the expansion, which will allow Perfect Beginnings to accept 100 placements.

Perfect Beginnings is one of three Brisbane childcare centres owned by Fingrow Holdings Pty Ltd. The manager Jessica Lomas said that the facility can no longer meet the demands as their waitlist is growing and they’ve turned down families until the expansion.

The DA (A005581865) has had an initial review and is currently undergoing further information request. A public consultation has yet to get underway.

Popular Eatery King of Kings Expands To Upper Mt Gravatt

For 30 years, King of Kings has been a fixture in Fortitude Valley’s dining scene and soon foodies in Upper Mt Gravatt will get to taste its signature dim sum dishes and famous seafood choices without the need to drive up nearly 20 kilometres away.

King of Kings is opening a restaurant on Logan Road, alongside the Thai Orchid and across the Mt Gravatt Bowls Club. The site is still in the process of redevelopment with no confirmed opening date.

Its location in the Valley is also undergoing massive changes with a new custom kitchen and a fresh redesign. The restaurant was supposed to open in May but due to building delays and the pandemic restrictions, the owners are now planning a New Year relaunch.

King of Kings takes pride in serving the best yum cha in Brisbane. The site of many celebrations since it opened in the late 1980s, the restaurant changed owners in 2012 and they will continue to run both outlets in 2021.

“Probably some of the best Chinese you will have, massive selection of all your favorites and a whole bunch of others. Service is always spot on super quick and friendly. Portion sizes are decent and it is just a little bit more that most other Chinese restaurants.”
Josh Berry, Google Reviews

“Enjoyed Yum Cha recently, and found the service quick, and the food extremely tasty. The fact that it was very busy is testament to its popularity. Will be definitely coming back!”
Perry Limb, Facebook Reviews

Mt Gravatt State High School Wins People’s Choice at the 2020 National Videos for Change Competition

Three Year 8 students from Mount Gravatt State High School received the People’s Choice Awards at the 2020 National Videos for Change Competition. Brannagh, 13, Summer, 13, and Kairi-Yuna, 14 created a one-minute video focusing on mental health for the elderly, which was one of the 19 finalists.

The students visited St Vincent’s Care Services in Kangaroo Point to bring care packages, letters and signs to lift the spirits of the elderly during this pandemic. While there, amidst COVID-safe measures, they realised that their small gesture can make have a huge impact and make a difference.

In choosing the senior residents as their subject, Brannagh, Summer and Kairi-Yuna focused on sharing practical suggestions for the community to show how they value the isolated older generation, especially in this pandemic lockdown.

You can watch their 60-second creation on the official Videos for Change site.

Videos for Change encourages young people to present their ideas on social issues that matter to them. It’s a way for the youth to develop and practice their advocacy, build their confidence and valuable skills that will lay the path for their better future.

“These one-minute videos build empathy and touch your heart. They address universal issues and give us a sense of hope and connection at a time when it’s never been more important,” Videos for Change Founder Roya Baghai said.

Meanwhile, the Mount Gravatt State High School students remain in contact with the residents at the St Vincent’s Care Services whilst their in-person visits are limited. They communicate the old-fashioned way — by sending handwritten letters.

Vapiano in Mt Gravatt Braces for an Overhaul

Vapiano, the famous pizza restaurant with an outlet at the Garden City in Upper Mount Gravatt, is bracing for some changes amid this new normal. The eatery will soon introduce a new ordering system that will give the customers more control of their dining experience.

For the last decade, Vapiano’s stores across Queensland have had a familiar ordering system where diners line up at the food stations and then see the chefs prepare and cook their meals.

The new process will incorporate smartphone technology and QR codes, as well as ditch the need for queueing.

Diners may immediately secure their table once inside Vapiano and then place their orders from their smartphones.

The idea is to keep customers comfortably seated whilst the waitstaff provides the service. They may also use their smartphones to pay for their meals so that no one has to leave the table.

However, customers who come in without smartphones may still place orders at a dedicated but smaller corner in the restaurant, where physical distancing will be observed.

The kitchen’s operation will also be altered to reflect the new ordering system.

Managing director Will Cooke believes that will keep the restaurant more efficient whilst maintaining the quality of its food and service.

Meanwhile, Vapiano will also bring in new tables and lighting to freshen up the ambience. The Brisbane City outlet is the first to make the design changes whilst the ordering system will be introduced at the Garden City outlet in Mt Gravatt before the holidays.

Vapiano serves homemade Italian comfort food like pasta, pizza and salads with meals tailored to the customers’ preference.

“Whether you come in for a cheeky after work cocktail in our bar area, or spend hours enjoying a meal with friends in our restaurant, we pride ourselves on serving only the best made-to-order pizzas, house-made pasta, hand-tossed salads and delicious dolci in a fun, relaxing atmosphere filled with fresh herbs at every table and live olive trees.”

To book a table with a maximum of six diners, visit their reservation page online.

Is the Mt Gravatt Marketta Back? Owner Reveals One Setback

Saturday nights haven’t been the same for many locals as the Mt Gravatt Marketta remains closed amidst the coronavirus restrictions. Owner Jim Gloftis, however, has high hopes for an opening before Christmas but he explained the one setback preventing him from unlocking the gates to the street food hive.

Mt Gravatt Marketta might be a foodie’s go-to place for the trendiest street food in town. However, patrons also like the variety of live band performances that draw the crowd to get up and dance

The government, however, has a strict sanction against social dancing violations. Mr Gloftis said that the fines are so expensive that he’s not willing to take the risks.

However, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk recently released the next phase of relaxed rules for Queensland for October, November and December.

The plan includes the approval of COVID-19 safe wedding dancing activities by December and “further review of dancing restrictions.”

“We have always said that we would continue to ease restrictions where we could in a staged and balanced way to keep Queenslanders safe – and this plan does just that,” the Premier said.

“The new roadmap gives more certainty to the community and businesses through to the end of this year by outlining monthly easing of restrictions. That includes increasing gatherings in public spaces, unseated drinking and eating, dancing at weddings and removing some border restrictions.”

NEW ROADMAP: Today we’re releasing a new roadmap to easing restrictions for October, November and December 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/JkeHmXyDdu
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 1, 2020

Mr Gloftis thinks that the government will have some good news before Christmas that will allow Mt Gravatt Marketta to finally open. He reveals he hasn’t stopped receiving enquiries about the reopening as people are eager to return to the showgrounds for the food, the grub and the music.

The businessman is also the owner of Gold Coast’s Miami Marketta, which reopened more than a month ago. However, he revealed that the site is operating at a loss but he wants to continue helping out the stallholders.

Closed Upper Mt Gravatt Sports Hobby Shop Sees Online Resurgence Amidst COVID-19

In mid-2019, Skate Connection rolled out of Westfield Garden City in Upper Mount Gravatt after ending its 5-year lease. Less than a year after, the pandemic struck and other Skate Connection stores closed up shop too. Now, however, things have taken a turn for the better as the sports hobby shop has become busier than ever in an unexpected way.

Online demand for roller skates and skateboards has surged as families look for activities to enjoy in this distressing and unpredictable times.

Shelley Hedley and Brett Vowles, the co-founders of Skate Connection, said that the first two months of lockdowns affected their sales. Skater parks, events and competitions had to shut down as well.

Over time, however, their online site’s activity picked up despite closing their outlet at Westfield Garden City. Ms Hedley revealed that there have been sales during weekends that topped their Christmas holiday activities.

The owner believes demand for rollerblades and skateboards, which surged in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, saw a revival since wheel sports counts as “individual exercise” and will work for COVID-19 social distancing rules.

Some of their customers have devised “isolation stations” and clever skating activities to do in their backyard or the garage driveway.

Meanwhile, Mr Vowles said that they are putting their focus on improving their online site and their remaining physical Queensland stores in Ashmore and North Lakes with a staff of 25 people.

Admittedly, the business partners said that there are operational problems to sort out as they are learning how to thrive in this pandemic. However, great opportunities also open to every problem. They’re keeping a positive mindset over what they can control in this new normal.

Follow Skate Connection on Facebook for updates on their latest stocks, contest and promotions for their online stores. The company also needs staff at their remaining Queensland sites.

Mt Gravatt Fun Fair: First COVID Safe Mini EKKA Gets Underway

Bummed about EKKA’s cancellation in this pandemic? There’s still fun to be had at the Mt Gravatt Fun Fair, which has all the trappings of a massive amusement show but with COVID-19 safety precautions firmly set in place.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes with the cancellations and disruptions of many events and activities. However, seeking out fun may be just the thing you need to get through this crisis.

Queensland Amusement Hire is bringing the Mt Gravatt Fun Fair at the Logan Road showgrounds from 13 to 16 Aug and 20 to 23 Aug 2020.

Featured rides include:

Teacups
Helicopters
Jumbo Slide
Bungy Trampolines
Ferris Wheel for children
Dodgem Cars
Wave Swinger
Hurricane
Alien Abduction
Let’s Dance
Two Storey Fun House

The Mt Gravatt Fun Fair will also feature sideshow attractions and COVID safe competitions, aside from giveaway show bags and heaps of food truck choices.

Unfortunately, there will be no animal petting corners and crafts for this mini EKKA.

This is the first Brisbane amusement show with a COVID safe business model. The following compulsory safety conditions will be implemented at the showgrounds:

Entry is wrapped up into three-hour sessions each day
400 person maximum capacity per session
1.5 metres social distancing with an allowance of 4 sqm per person in lines
Sanitiser stations will be on-site and available at entry, exit and at every ride and attraction
Dedicated exit and entry points
Temperature checks
Contactless payment options (EFTPOS and other cashless options)

All guests are required to make a prior booking online for the general admission ($2) and the unlimited rides wristband ($35). Ride tickets of approximately $5 per ride may be purchased on-site as well for guests who prefer not to get the wristband.

Guests are requested to pick a schedule and stick with the time and date set:

DATE	TIME
Thu, 13 Aug	5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fri, 14 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sat, 15 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sun, 16 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thu, 20 Aug	5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fri, 21 Aug	5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sat, 22 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sun, 23 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

COVID marshalls will make their rounds to check if guests are adhering to the safety protocols and the staff is frequently cleaning surfaces. The number of customers will be constantly monitored while every guest will be required to provide their full name and contact numbers upon entrance for contact tracing.

With the safety precautions and rules set in place, the team behind Mt Gravatt Fun Fair can ensure a great time for everyone!