Hemmes’ Queen Chow to shut as Manly Wharf makeover continues
Justin Hemmes’ Merivale Group is preparing to close the doors on Queen Chow Manly, after seven years at Manly Wharf.
The last service is set for Tuesday, August 5.
The closure of the popular Chinese restaurant is the latest in a string of high-profile exits from the waterfront dining precinct, with El Camino Cantina, Sake Restaurant & Bar, Betty’s Burgers and The Bavarian all vacating their long-term leases in recent months. The reshuffle follows the 2023 acquisition of the wharf’s long-term leasehold by Brisbane-based Artemus Group for A$80 million.
Artemus has wasted no time in making its mark. In June, it launched Felons Seafood in the former Bavarian bar space and rebranded the Manly Wharf Bar to Felons Brewing Co. The group is also converting the former Aldi supermarket site into a microbrewery bar and diner, and late last year snapped up Hugos Manly for A$20 million.
Merivale said in a statement: “After seven amazing years on Manly Wharf, Queen Chow Manly will close its doors on Tuesday, August 5, to allow for the broader redevelopment of Manly Wharf.”
“Since opening in 2018, Queen Chow Manly has become a beloved part of the Manly community — a local favourite, and a destination for Sydney diners and tourists,” the statement continued, with the company extending its thanks to the local community and confirming efforts to redeploy affected staff.
Artemus thanked Queen Chow for “being a part of the Manly Wharf community” and said it aims to create “a safe, inclusive and beautiful space for all to enjoy.”
Co-founder Adam Flaskas previously said the vision was to “revitalise the waterfront precinct into a premium hospitality destination, creating a thriving community and cultural hub for kids and families to grown-ups and everything in between.”
Jonathan Jackson, 22nd July 2025
