The closure of Mr Bill’s Vietnamese Canteen has left the Belmont Bowls Club facing an uncertain future. After just nine months of operation, Loc Nguyen, known as Mr Bill, will serve his last banh mi on December 31, 2023. The decision to leave the bowls club stems from Nguyen’s desire to achieve a better work-life balance for his young family.
Nguyen’s canteen quickly garnered a loyal following for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine, drawing in customers from across the Brisbane area. Many patrons lined up for their final taste of the crispy pork banh mi on Monday, a testament to the establishment’s popularity. “It’s devastating,” said Shaynae Clark, manager of the bowls club, as she noted the impact of Nguyen’s departure.
The 35-year-old chef named his canteen after the English name given to him by a lecturer during his university studies. Nguyen hopes to open a smaller restaurant that allows him to spend more time with his children, aged 11 and 4. Currently, he works almost every day, with his wife assisting in managing their family and the canteen. “I’d like to have a better balance before my son starts high school,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen’s vibrant presence revitalized the bowls club, which had struggled to attract customers in recent years. The venue, located off Creek Road in Carina, faced increasing competition from nearby establishments, including the Camp Hill Bowls Club and Carina Bowls Club. Clark described Nguyen’s influence, stating, “He just gave the place life, really. We were open, there were people everywhere.”
The bowls club’s unpretentious atmosphere, complete with blue, peacock-patterned carpet and plastic chairs, transformed as Nguyen introduced new customers to Vietnamese cuisine. Many regulars, including local police officers, became devoted fans, with some even planning to follow Nguyen to his next venture. “He’s just a character,” said Brendan Field, a long-time customer. “I’ll follow him wherever he goes.”
As Nguyen prepares to close the canteen, he reflects on the relationships he built with customers. His farewell has drawn heartfelt responses, with many patrons expressing their gratitude for his service and food. Cheryl Pierce, a devoted customer, shared, “It’s his service and his personality and his food” that kept her coming back every week.
Despite efforts to persuade Nguyen to stay, Clark acknowledged the challenges he faced in managing the canteen’s demands. “We did try to see if he wanted to lessen his hours, but unfortunately, he’s still leaving us,” she said. The bowls club now faces the prospect of returning to a quieter atmosphere, with limited days of operation focusing mainly on bowls and functions.
Nguyen plans to take a month-long holiday in January to recharge and search for a new location. He is looking for a venue with a spacious, well-equipped kitchen and ample parking. “I suspect it will take two to three months,” he stated, as he aims to continue serving his signature dishes to an eager audience.
As Mr Bill’s final trading day approaches, many loyal customers have promised to return for one last banh mi. “We love you,” one customer said, waving goodbye as they expressed their appreciation for Nguyen’s contributions to the bowls club and the community. The closure of Mr Bill’s marks the end of a cherished chapter for both Nguyen and the Belmont Bowls Club, leaving many to wonder what lies ahead for the beloved venue.
