Dome Coffee Australia to take over Rottnest Island bistro lease

10/9/96

Tourism Minister Norman Moore today announced that one of Western Australia's small business success stories would soon be taking up residence on the State's most loved holiday spot, Rottnest Island.

Mr Moore said an agreement had been signed between Dome Coffee Australia and the Rottnest Island Authority for Dome to take over the lease of the island's bistro.

Mr Moore said the authority and Dome would also share the cost of a $600,000 upgrade to the bistro building with work expected to begin within the next few days.

"Last year the Rottnest Island Authority conducted a review of the island's operations and that included extensive consultation, asking the public what they would like to see on Rottnest," he said.

"One of the most surprising things was the number of people who wrote in and said what they wanted on the island was a decent cup of coffee.

"I am delighted that Dome was the successful tenderer to take over the lease of the bistro and I am looking forward to strong latte on my next visit to the island."

Mr Moore said Dome Coffee Australia successfully obtained the lease after a six-month-long tendering process.

"The former leaseholder was operating under a short-term lease only," he said.

"The authority called for tenders in March this year and 17 companies - all Western Australian - applied to run the bistro."

Of the submissions, six companies were short-listed and interviewed. The short-list was further trimmed to just two companies before Dome was selected as the preferred tenderer. The lease will run for an initial period of five years, renewable for a further five years.

Dome Coffee Australia's director marketing, Patria Jafferies, said the opening of Dome Rottnest was an opportunity for the company to make a significant investment in the State's tourism industry.

Ms Jafferies said Dome Rottnest would also play an integral role in the company's expansion plans which included opening additional cafes in Melbourne, Mandurah and Mt Lawley.

"Perth people and visitors to the State have come to expect the best form Dome's coffee, food and service," she said.

"We will bring the same standards to Dome Rottnest, and our freshly ground coffee will provide a good start to those days of cycling and snorkelling."

Ms Jafferies said Dome planned to open for breakfast and continue serving until late. Dome Rottnest would be fully licensed and was expected to begin operating in November.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595