AN ICONIC Riverland restaurant, well-known for its unique style, has been put up for sale after nearly four years under its current owner.
The Mallee Fowl Restaurant, located on the Sturt Highway between Berri, Renmark and Monash, is back on the market after owner Frank Donnelly decided it was time for him to step away from the business.
Mr Donnelly said he hoped whoever took over the business would bring some “young blood” and “take it to the next level”.
“This place is a gem,” he said
“It’s in the middle of everywhere and it’s only going to get better.
“It’s probably one of the best businesses I’ve ever had, and I’ve had quite a few. If I was 30 years younger I’d keep running it.”
The restaurant had been closed when Mr Donnelly bought the business three-and-a-half years ago.
He said since he took over he has focused on giving people a “different experience”.
“Everyone has to have their different niche – if I had to compete with the pubs and clubs I couldn’t do it,” he said.
“But I have my own little niche, where people come in here and become an Aussie for the time they’re here and they walk out with a different experience.
“We’re not flash in anyway, but we’re different and I think it’s time for somebody else to improve on what it is.
“All a new owner would have to do is be creative – there’re thousands of potential customers out there.”
Mr Donnelly said the forced closure of the restaurant during the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Australia had given him a break from his usual “hectic” schedule.
“COVID gave me a bit of a release actually,” he said.
“I settled down and I feel relaxed now, but I know once COVID finishes we are going to get back to the long hours.
“All these people are going to want to come on buses, but I can’t work the hours to do that anymore.
“It wasn’t until I got that break that I realised I wanted a bit of time to myself.”
Mr Donnelly said he hoped the new owner kept the restaurant’s petting zoo and the variety of animals he has cared for over the years.
“I hope the animals stay here and I think they will,” he said.
“If you open the gate they wouldn’t leave anyway.”
Mr Donnelly said he would miss owning the Mallee Fowl and the uniqueness of its customers.
“I want to thank all the customers that have come through during my time,” he said.
“There’s not many places where you judge your performance on the number of hugs and kisses you get.
“I’m going to miss them terribly but luckily, I’ll still get to see them around the Riverland.”
Mr Donnelly said although it was a difficult time to try and sell a restaurant, he had already received some interest.