High-profile Manly Wharf restaurants, Sake and El Camino Cantina, will close their doors on June 30, 2025, marking a significant shift in strategy for their owner, Hunter St. Hospitality. The decision, announced by the group’s chief executive Frank Tucker, comes as the company pivots towards developing more unique dining experiences rather than expanding its existing chains.
According to Tucker, the closures are not a response to economic pressures but rather a strategic move facilitated by a compelling offer from Manly Wharf’s owner, Artemus Group. “It was a commercial decision,” Tucker explained. “We had 15 years left on the lease, and Artemus made a wonderful offer.”
Hunter St. Hospitality’s New Direction
Since taking over as CEO last year, Tucker has been steering Hunter St. Hospitality towards a focus on distinctive venues, moving away from the wholesale growth of chains. The company, known for its glamorous restaurants like Rockpool Bar & Grill and Spice Temple, as well as mid-market brands like The Bavarian, is now planning to open three new Japanese restaurants in the next year, none of which will carry the Sake name.
“People want new experiences,” Tucker said, emphasizing the shift towards unique dining concepts.
The Bavarian chain, once a 28-outlet stronghold, has also seen a contraction. Currently, only five remain, with closures attributed to pandemic impacts, lease expirations, and underperformance. Despite this, Tucker noted that the remaining locations continue to perform well.
Artemus Group’s Ambitious Plans
Meanwhile, Artemus Group, which acquired Manly Wharf for $110 million last year, is actively transforming the area. The group has already integrated its Felons brand from Brisbane and plans to open a microbrewery on-site. The recent acquisition of the Sake and El Camino locations adds to their growing portfolio, which includes Hugos Manly and Manly Wharf Bar.
There is speculation about the development of a function space at the former Sake and El Camino sites, although Artemus has not confirmed these plans. The group’s track record of reimagining spaces, as seen with Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane, suggests a transformative vision for Manly Wharf.
Impact on the Local Dining Scene
The closure of these iconic restaurants marks a turning point for Manly’s dining landscape. The Bavarian’s early days as a “bier cafe” in Manly, dating back to 2014, are a testament to the area’s evolving culinary scene. Now, with the introduction of a seafood restaurant led by Luke Bourke, the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide’s young chef of the year for 2025, Manly Wharf is poised for a culinary renaissance.
Artemus Group’s investment in Manly Wharf is part of a broader strategy to create a vibrant, diverse dining hub that appeals to both locals and tourists.
Looking Ahead
As Hunter St. Hospitality shifts its focus to new ventures like The Collective, a multi-venue precinct in The Rocks, the company’s evolution reflects broader trends in the hospitality industry. Consumers’ desire for unique dining experiences is reshaping how businesses operate, with an emphasis on innovation over expansion.
The closure of Sake and El Camino Cantina at Manly Wharf is a microcosm of these changes, highlighting the dynamic nature of the restaurant industry. As Artemus Group continues its development efforts, the future of Manly Wharf promises to be one of culinary exploration and innovation.
