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Wellington Shire Council finalising agreement with Jason Hughes and Patrick Barry to operate food and beverage at Wedge Performing Arts Centre

The future of The Wedge Performing Arts Centre's food and beverage offering is in safe hands as Wellington Shire Council finalises an agreement with new operators.

By news@gippsland - 1st February 2023 - Back to News

New operators Jason Hughes and Patrick Barry have a combined 45 years of hospitality and business experience and are excited to bring their signature flair and lively personalities to The Wedge in Sale. Together Jase and Pat are award winning caterers, recognised at the Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Awards.

Shirley's Cafe and Bar owners Jason Hughes and Patrick Barry with Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye

Creating a positive atmosphere

The duo have been friends for over 20 years, and have a passion for hospitality, great food, outstanding coffee, and amazing customer service. Trust us, when you meet them, you won't want to leave! When asked about the future of The Wedge cafe, Jase and Pat said that they are looking forward to unveiling their new business and getting to know the dedicated locals who love their brunch, coffee, and dinner as much as they do.

"We aspire to create a positive, fun, vibrant, and always funny atmosphere. We have really high energy and are always bouncing off of each other." Jase and Pat said.

"Our previous cafe and bar, Shirley's in Golden Beach became a hub for locals and visitors to enjoy in a really short time, and we are very proud of the work we did to connect with the community through hospitality. We are privileged to call our many customers friends for life, and we can't wait to meet more of the community in Sale". Jase and Pat added.

Place to feel at home

Jase and Pat's vision is to create a safe space where everyone is welcome, and where great food, coffee and service is paramount to creating the atmosphere locals and visitors deserve. "Our vision is simple, to create a place to go to feel at home." they said.

The community can expect the new cafe and bar to bring a lively atmosphere and develop a strong tie with programs and events happening at The Wedge. The cafe will re-open this week, on Friday 3 February to the hundreds of visitors attending Chocolate Starfish - Bat Out of Hell at The Wedge's John Leslie Theatre.

New era of food and beverage

For the first few weeks the new operators will spend time getting to know their patrons and fine-tuning operations, ready to re-open fully for a new era of food and beverage at The Wedge on 24 February. The cafe plans to operate Wednesday to Sunday each week until Jase and Pat have secured a strong team of hospitality professionals to help them meet the needs of the community.

If you are reading this and are keen to join this new team, please email your resume to info@shirleyscafe.com.au. Experience is preferred but not essential, Jase and Pat are excited to train anyone looking for a new career in the exciting hospitality industry.

Patrons who have tickets to an event at The Wedge prior to 24 February will still get the full experience with performances including The Best of Arj Barker: Power House and The Whitlams set to fill the cafe space during this time.

Passion for arts and culture

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said that with The Wedge Performing Arts Centre season launch just around the corner, securing a new operator who has experience and a passion for arts and culture was council's key priority.

"I am excited to share this announcement with the community. We listened to their feedback following the announcement that the previous operators had chosen not to renew their agreement, and we are positive that the community will love what is to come".

"I have spoken to Jase and Pat, and they can't wait to get stuck into it. We are all really looking forward to continuing with a great hospitality service and welcoming the many visitors who are no doubt as excited as us to try the new menu!" Cr Bye said.

Connecting community

Cr Bye added, "I am looking forward to joining the community at the 2023 season launch to officially welcome the new team, and to celebrate the next chapter of the wonderful community facility that we have at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre."

"This year's program of events has something for everyone, continuing to build a community that is happy, connected and engaged in arts and culture throughout our municipality. The season features work from a broad selection of artists and genres, including music, cabaret, dance, drama, physical theatre, and stand-up comedy to name a few. On behalf of my fellow councillors, I can't wait for you to experience it". Cr Bye said.

The community is encouraged to follow The Wedge on Facebook to stay up to date with opening hours and any temporary changes to operations. Following The Wedge's 2023 season official launch on 24 February, the cafe will be open and offering brunch and dinner from 10am, as well as pre and post show offerings.

Launching new business

Wellington Shire Council would like to thank previous operators Molly and Jim Inglis and their staff for their wonderful and dedicated service over the past five years, and congratulate Jase and Pat and wish them luck as they launch their new business alongside The Wedge Performing Arts Centre in 2023.
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Shirley's Cafe & Bar menu (Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 February)

Pictures from Wellington Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com