Iconic Avalon venue, Cafe Ibiza, closes its doors for the last time
Today marked the end of an era for an iconic Avalon cafe that was as much about the customers as it was the staff.
Bilgola Plateau couple Tim and Carla Wheeler have owned Cafe Ibiza for 17 years, but closed their doors yesterday following the expiration of their lease.
The Wheelers had taken great pride in establishing the venue as a community hub for people living in and around Avalon.
In particular, Mr Wheeler said he had made a point of giving teenagers a job to help better themselves.
“We put them through our training program so they learn quickly that having a job is a responsibility,” Mr Wheeler said.
“We train our staff so that when they leave us, they are ready for their next job.”
Mr Wheeler said he had been inundated with visitors this week who were shocked to see the venue close.
“We are absolutely gobsmacked . . . we have had people bring in bunches of flowers,” he said.
“We can’t believe how many people have come in to say goodbye to us.”
Mr Wheeler, 58, said they would be spending time with family before deciding what their next step would be.
“We are walking out with our heads held high and feel we have made a contribution to the local community,” he said.
Source: The Manly Daily, Bryn Kay, 27th January 2016
