Staffing struggles amid success at Portavogie’s hidden gem
The New Quays, a restaurant owned by David and Leigh, has become a favourite for locals and tourists seeking the freshest fish dishes. However, their journey has not been without challenges.
David and Lee opened Katch 27 in Kircubbin in 2011, earning a reputation for high-quality seafood. “We built a reputation of being a great fish restaurant,” David recalls. But the pandemic forced them to pivot quickly, leading to the acquisition of The New Quays in Portavogie in 2018. Just as they were ready to revamp the restaurant, COVID-19 struck, causing closures and financial uncertainty. “We opened in March 2020, then had to close. It was devastating,” David remembers. Faced with the closure of both restaurants, they focused their energy on The New Quays, shifting to takeaways and deliveries to stay afloat. “We made it work,” Leigh said, noting local support helped them pay staff during tough times.
As restrictions eased, The New Quays rebounded, drawing seafood lovers from near and far. “The New Quays is our passion project,” David said, highlighting unique elements like a tribute to local legend George Best, complete with memorabilia from his family. They also opened Besties Café, offering breakfast and lunch, which has become popular with both locals and tourists.
The restaurant prides itself on fresh, local seafood, with dishes like luxury seafood platters showcasing the best the area has to offer. “People don’t mind paying a bit more for quality,” David explains. “If you want fast food, go to McDonald’s. But if you want quality, stay with us.”
However, as business thrived, they faced an unexpected hurdle: staffing shortages. “Post-pandemic, the hospitality industry has been hit hard,” David notes. They’ve gone from several chefs to just three, making it difficult to keep up with demand. Currently open only four days a week, the couple is eager to expand again. “We’ve got a solid local following,” Leigh added, mentioning they even get Americans off cruise ships thanks to a local tour guide.
Despite these staffing challenges, David and Leigh’s commitment to quality and community remains unwavering. “We’ve weathered the storm and are still here, stronger than ever,” David said proudly.
