Jacqui Foley has sold her restaurant after more than a decade at the helm. Photo: Wheelers restaurant Facebook.
After almost 12 years of running a restaurant, Jacqui Foley felt like it was time for a change of pace.
She was celebrating her first wedding anniversary with husband Damien, when she realised she had been “living and breathing” work for years.
“I have been looking to hand the reins over for quite a few years, actually, despite not putting the business officially on the market until about six months ago,” she said.
From July, the restaurant will be in the hands of new owner (and chef) Nirajan Kuinkel – who is also “the smiliest man” she’s met.
“This is his first business, but I think he’s got the fire that you need to make it work.
“You know the old saying of, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?’ He’s going to keep it largely the same, maybe do a few little tweaks.
“Being a chef, I’m sure that he’ll bring a lot of really delicious new menu items to the table!”
Most recently, Nirajan worked as the executive chef for Novotel Canberra and he has also worked in Sydney venues.
Jacqui purchased Wheelers in December 2013, after meeting then-owner Hugh, bringing a background in marine resource management and conservation.
“I arrived with very little experience in hospitality and hadn’t ever owned my own business before,” she said.
“In all honesty, I had no idea of how big this business was, and so it really was a case of ignorance is bliss … I found myself working seven days a week and just trying to juggle everything.”
She said that during her ownership treasured memories were time spent with her father, who died from cancer.
“He was really proud of me, and that was a beautiful last chapter for him to be part of the Wheelers team.
“That was a real lesson in how short life is, and no matter how fit and healthy you are, sometimes your time can be up too soon.”
While Jacqui took over Wheelers almost 12 years ago, the iconic business opened its doors long before.
The business was founded by the Pitt Warn family, who ran it until their retirement in the 1960s.
It was sold several times before Merimbula locals Hugh and Debbie Wheeler took it on in 1982. They added a fresh seafood shop and tours, and also opened ‘The Kiosk’.
Jacqui said there was an outpouring of appreciation from locals and South Coast visitors once she announced her departure.
“For that last week [before her last day on 30 June], there were so many people booking in to say farewell,” she said.
“On Sunday, a lot of people came and had a drink in the Oyster Bar, and a speech was made. It was just beautiful … I couldn’t have asked for a better send-off.”
Now she’s left the hustle and bustle of running a restaurant, Jacqui plans to enjoy the extra time on her hands.
“A lot of people have asked me what I’m going to do, and whether we’re going on an overseas holiday.
“My answer has been [that] all I want to do is relax here and enjoy the coastline. My real desire has just been to head to Mitchies Jetty with a beach towel and a book!”
Wheelers Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar is located at 162 Arthur Kaine Drive in Pambula. Find their opening hours on the website.
