Smokey Uppercuts Owner Dylan Laherstorfer and the Smokey team

Whyalla City Council is pleased to announce local business Smokey Uppercuts has been awarded the contract to operate a refurbished café on the Whyalla foreshore.

Fast becoming one of Whyalla’s favourite food operators, Smokey Uppercuts was selected by Savills Adelaide as part of an independent, unbiased and robust expression of interest process, before being formally awarded the contract by Council.

City of Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin said a number of high-quality submissions were received, with Smokey Uppercuts proposing an exciting offering to not only cater for locals, but also attract tourists to the area.

“With our new jetty attracting record tourist numbers, and Council currently undertaking an ambitious Foreshore Master Plan, it’s critical for a high-quality café facility to be part of this enhanced foreshore experience,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

“Smokey Uppercuts’ proposal recognised the need to cater for customers of the former Beach Café, as well as offering its unique menu which has proven popular across regional South Australia.

“They also have an exciting vision of alfresco areas to take advantage of the natural beauty of the location; operating from breakfast through to dinner; and other unique offerings to attract families and tourists.”

Smokey Uppercuts Owner Dylan Laherstorfer said he was thrilled to have secured the contract and was looking forward to expanding his menu and showcasing it to a broader audience.

“This is a great opportunity to breathe new life into the foreshore area and even create a night-time atmosphere with our extended opening hours,” Mr Laherstorfer said.

“We’re regularly told at events that people were only there for our food, so hopefully we can attract people to the foreshore and really build on the development that Council’s already undertaken in the area.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we already offer and can’t wait to take it to the next level by working with Council to refurbish the existing building.”

Mr Laherstorfer is aiming to open the facility from 7am to 9pm seven days a week, employing up to 20 locals to cater for the extended hours. He said he plans to utilise as many local people and suppliers as possible to ensure he’s supporting the community. He will also continue to offer his mobile service as well as operating out of the café.

Council will now work with Mr Laherstorfer to finalise and implement the refurbishment. Dependent on contractor availability, it’s anticipated the facility will be opened to the public in time for this summer.

Council will continue to provide updates on the progress of the refurbishment over the coming months.