December 29, 2025 — Brisbane, Australia — Mr Bill’s Vietnamese Canteen, a beloved fixture at the Belmont Bowls Club, is set to close its doors after just nine months of operation. The departure of the canteen, run by Loc Nguyen, known affectionately as Mr Bill, has left both patrons and club management in dismay.
“It’s devastating,” said Shaynae Clark, the manager of Belmont Bowls Club, as she served drinks to a bustling crowd eager for one last taste of Nguyen’s famed crispy pork banh mi. The canteen, which quickly became a local favorite, will cease operations at the end of the year.
Nguyen’s Quest for Balance
Nguyen, who named his canteen after the English name given to him at university, has decided to step away from the bowls club to pursue a more balanced lifestyle. “Really, I’m working seven days a week,” he explained, noting the challenges of juggling business and family responsibilities.
With the canteen closed only on Tuesdays, Nguyen used this time for errands, household duties, and spending precious moments with his children, aged 11 and 4. “I’d like to have a better balance before my son starts high school,” he added. The relentless schedule, coupled with his wife’s daily efforts to procure fresh produce, prompted Nguyen to seek a smaller, more manageable restaurant setup.
The Impact on Belmont Bowls Club
Clark, who has witnessed the transformation of the club since Nguyen’s arrival, expressed regret over his departure. “We did try to see if he wanted to lessen his hours because he didn’t really like the nights either, but unfortunately, he’s still leaving us,” she said.
The bowls club, like many in suburban Australia, had struggled for years against competition from nearby venues offering diverse dining options. Nguyen’s arrival brought a resurgence of activity, drawing a dedicated following from his previous restaurant in Wakerley.
“He just gave the place life, really,” Clark remarked. “We were open, there were people everywhere, lots more barefoot bowls and families, and it just made it a really better atmosphere all around.”
A Community Bids Farewell
Despite its name, Belmont Bowls Club is located in Carina, opposite the Police Citizens Youth Club. Its unpretentious charm, complete with blue peacock-patterned carpets and formica tables, was enhanced by the vibrant energy Nguyen brought. Regulars, including police officers and local families, flocked to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine paired with affordable drinks.
Brendan Field, a long-time customer, was among those savoring a final meal. “I’ve known him for a long time – I’m one of his best customers,” he said, praising the freshness of the pork and Nguyen’s personable nature. “I’ll follow him wherever he goes.”
Other patrons, including Cheryl Pierce and Bianca Stubbs, echoed this sentiment, with Stubbs even offering Nguyen a space at her shop in Alexandra Hills. The community’s affection for Nguyen was evident as customers lined up for photos and farewells.
Looking Ahead
As Mr Bill’s prepares for its final day of trading on New Year’s Eve, the future of Belmont Bowls Club remains uncertain. Clark fears the club will return to quieter times without the draw of Nguyen’s cuisine. “We’ll only have limited days we’ll be open again, mainly focusing on the bowls and our functions,” she said.
Efforts to find a new food vendor are underway, but Clark is skeptical that any replacement could match the success of Mr Bill’s. “We love you,” one customer said, waving goodbye. “Thank you, Mr Bill, thank you.”
As the community comes to terms with the canteen’s closure, Nguyen’s decision underscores a broader narrative of work-life balance and the personal sacrifices behind culinary success.
