Premier Oyster Saloon

Premier Oyster Saloon was owned by John Black, also known as Jack. He purchased this business from Mr P. Lemnos in 1903. Black was the owner of 2 other saloons in the Brisbane CBD. The Premier Oyster Saloon served fresh seafood including oysters, fish luncheons, boiled ham, grills, steak & eggs. Meals could be procured at almost any hour on the premises, and housewives could access fresh seafood for the family dinner table. 

Oyster saloons had flourished in Ipswich for many years but by Christmas 1912 only one remained – the Premier Oyster Saloon at 80 Brisbane Street between the Palais Royal Hotel and Queensland Woollen Company. This building was formerly known as Rose’s Universal Emporium.

In 1913 the premises were extensively renovated with a ladies’ room added upstairs. This was apparently the first time in Ipswich that such an amenity was provided for the comfort and accommodation of “ladies”. The Premier Oyster Saloon was so successful and business was so good that Black procured another cafe in Nicholas Street in 1915. This was the West Moreton Cafe in Cameron's Buildings. A couple of years later in 1917 Black disposed of the West Moreton Cafe to focus on his business interests in Brisbane. He also disposed of the Premier Oyster Saloon around this time to Peter Spathis and it eventually became The City Cafe.