The dreams of beach-going Shellharbour locals are finally coming true, with the newly leased Surf Club function centre to open a kiosk on August 19. It's also set to become a venue for events.
“People are already shouting coffee orders when they walk past and see the servery being installed,” says the club’s new sub-tenant Cameron Thomas, who has owned Central Perk, in Kiama’s main street, since 2021.
“There is nowhere to stop for a break and a bite to eat north of the Village, as far as Warilla.”
Having not sub-let the facility for the past seven years (it was last operated by Portofinos), Shellharbour Surf Club made opening the kiosk a condition of the new lease given the demand from members and the public.
While this extra business might have daunted others, it plays to Cam’s strengths.
“I’ve been in the industry for 30 years, including owning and operating cafes for the last 25 years and having a wedding reception in western Sydney for 10 years,” he says.
“That combination of experience in running both types of businesses makes it a natural fit and I’m really excited by the opportunities of the blank canvas.
“The future is only limited by our imagination.”
Despite living in Shell Cove for four years, the first Cam knew of the space was when he saw its lease advertised.
“I couldn’t believe it when I came to have a look,” he says.
“It is a great building in an amazing location, and there are so many possibilities.”
Trading as The Sands Kiosk and The Sands Receptions, Cam sees synergies between the two operations particularly in terms of staffing and utilising the kitchen’s capacity.
“We’ll have a full-time position for a chef here because not only will they be catering for the kiosk and function centre, but for the cafe in Kiama,” he says.
The central kitchen and kiosk area are currently being fitted out, with a soft opening planned for the last week in July ahead of it being open seven days from August. It will feature the expected fare of burgers, fish & chips and breakfast favourites.
Enquiries are already coming in for the function centre, which has been hired out on an ad hoc basis by the club over recent years. With room for 100 guests, the room is in the process of being refurbished and new furniture has already arrived.
“Where else can you have your wedding ceremony on the lawn, walk down and have photos on the beach, and know your guests are being catered for with cocktails and canapes all in the one location?” says Cam.
“There is no other events-specific venue in Shellharbour, so it will also be ideal for birthdays and other family gatherings.”
Rather than pitching for the high-end market, The Sands Receptions will be embracing its location and place in the community.
“Beach life happening all around will be part of the vibe,” says Cam.
Pricing packages are currently being finalised, with the first events likely to be Christmas corporate functions and weddings in the new year.
Earlier than that, there are plans to introduce monthly High Teas by the Sea from September, following their success in Kiama.
Buzzing with ideas, Cam sees the upside of the proximity to the Shell Cove Marina precinct.
“The marina is going to be 30 per cent larger than Darling Harbour, and they are putting in a Four Seasons hotel there. Having a world class marina and accommodation just five minutes down the road must be a good thing for businesses in the area,” he says.
