Peter Cooke, owner of the Shiralee Motel Guyra, has bought Rafters Restaurant.
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The property, at 97 Malpas Street, was sold for auction by Ray White on Thursday, December 6, after closing in October.
Mr Cooke plans to lease the restaurant out, and to find a chef to run the business.
He would like to see Rafters run as a family restaurant, “where you can take your missus and kids out, and have a meal at a reasonable price” – but said that will be up to the chef.
"Guyra’s only a country community, and can’t afford top restaurant prices,” Mr Cooke said. “It’s not like the city.”
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Previous owners Peter and Narelle Malcolm had run Rafters as a high-class restaurant since August 2005.
When they moved to Tasmania in 2017, employees Kerrie Handebo, daughter Jess, and Wansy Williams took over the management.
Rafters received an award for Excellence in the Northern region of New South Wales for catering and dining, July 2008.
The venue was popular for large gatherings and public meetings, including the Rotary Club’s Pride of Workmanship Awards, and the Guyra & District Chamber of Commerce Christmas party.
Mr Cooke said the venue would still be open for large gatherings.
He will also advertise the Shiralee Motel through the restaurant, if visitors want accommodation.