The eviction of tenants of the wharf building in September left a gaping hole in the capability of the town of Eden to provide hospitality to locals and tourists alike.
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However, two local women, with the support of their partners, have seized the opportunity to take on a new enterprise and attempt to meet the demand for hospitality as the busy peak season approaches.
Tamara Hallinan and Bridget McGuiness have purchased and set up a food van. Operating under the name Fry Daze, they will be stationed at the main wharf in Eden across the busy summer months, offering fish and chips, freshly crumbed calamari and prawn cutlets.
"We are keeping it simple for now as we anticipate being run off our feet," Ms McGuiness said.
"The fish is local, from Southlands, straight off the wharf."
Ms Hallinan, previously an employee at Drift Eden, one of five hospitality businesses shut down at the wharf, said the impact of the wharf building closure had been difficult for many.
"We had just had the bushfires and were then closed for most of the year because of COVID, and were hit with this all of a sudden just when we were looking forward to getting busier at Christmas time," she said.
Having done a trial run operating the van last weekend, the new business owners are excited to set up at the wharf and hope to open this Saturday, December 19, if all goes according to plan.
"Eden needs this... we don't want tourists to come and see a boarded up building so we are doing our bit, for the locals as well," Ms McGuiness said.
"There are hardly any places you can get take away in town on a Friday and Saturday night," she said.
Ms Hallinan said the response via social media since announcing the plan to operate the food van at the wharf precinct had been "amazing".
"Everyone has been so supportive and people say it's great we are keeping it local," Ms Hallinan said.
The women are hoping to apply for a small business grant and potentially extend their permit to Easter.
Fry Daze hours of operation will be Tuesday-Thursday 11am-4pm, and Friday to Sunday 11am-8pm.
Leah Szanto
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
Regional journalist covering the Far South Coast of NSW.
