Melbourne’s iconic The Cuckoo Restaurant for sale for around $4M
Famed Melbourne establishment, The Cuckoo Restaurant is for sale for just the second time in 60 years for an asking price of around $4 million.
The iconic venue has served everyone from tourists to Prime Ministers and rock stars (Bob Hawke, The Rolling Stones and Beatle George Harrison to name a few), welcoming more than seven million tourists since it was opened by Karin and Willi Koeppen in 1958.
In 1958, Willi was Australia’s first celebrity chef with regular TV and radio shows.
Willi disappeared in 1976 and the case remains an open investigation with the Victoria Police Missing Persons division.
The three-storey Cuckoo is renowned for its German inspired architecture and food. A deck, courtyard, offices, function spaces, a stage, a commercial kitchen and smorgasbord and carvery facilities are all included in the sale.
Cellar and cool room facilities, emergency generators, shedding, and a caretakers’ cottage are also included.
The 9.5-acre property and is situated on the Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, near Olinda. Multiple car parks can accommodate over 400 vehicles.
The restaurant hit tough times during COVID and shut its doors in 2020, although it has been serving takeaway coffees and toasted sandwiches under current owner Eric Walters purchased who bought the venue after it closed and planned renovations.
The venue is listed for sale by Bell Real Estate, which stated in the listing: “With an unbeatable location, previous turnover of over $5m, and possibilities to lease or redevelop, this property will undoubtably be a site of choice for those looking for an unparalleled opportunity in the Dandenong Ranges.”
Jonathan Jackson, 19th June 2024
