Northern Beaches hospitality operator James Sideris is fighting to save outdoor seating at his flagship Manly bakery, Rollers Bakehouse, after the council voted to strip the popular venue of its benches and stools in Rialto Lane.
Sideris, who also owns Norma’s Deli and cookie outlet Butter Boy, has long used Rollers’ outdoor area to create a lively community hub.
The bakery, which draws thousands of customers each week, has been credited with activating the back lane since it opened in 2018.
On Tuesday night, however, Northern Beaches Council resolved to remove the seating permanently, citing “ongoing safety risks” in the narrow service road.
Council staff reported that 11 bollards installed to protect pedestrians had been struck by vehicles during a nine-month trial.
The move follows a complaint in late 2023 about potential conflicts between bakery patrons and Coles supermarket delivery trucks.
Independent councillor Candy Bingham said the lane was “a very dangerous situation”, while councillor Vincent De Luca argued no incidents had been recorded and warned the ban “will kill this small business”.
The decision sparked anger from locals. More than 3,100 people signed a petition defending Rollers, calling its outdoor space “a cornerstone of community connection”.
Former Northern Beaches mayor Georgia Ryburn and other political figures also voiced support on social media.
Rollers manager Loucka Stevens said the bakery had taken care to keep customers safe. “We’ve been here seven years and there hasn’t been an issue,” he said.
“Our regulars really want to keep the seating, especially in the summer when they can sit outside and enjoy our croissants and pastries in the sunshine.”
Sideris now faces the prospect of losing the outdoor dining setup that has become central to his business model and Manly’s laneway culture.
A recession motion lodged by Cr De Luca means the matter will return for further debate at a future council meeting, keeping alive Sideris’ battle to protect the bakery’s role as a community hub.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
