Hotel and hospitality entrepreneur Dr Jerry Schwartz has acquired full ownership of Sydney Seaplanes and the Empire Lounge in Rose Bay, a move aimed at revitalising the precinct into a premier tourism and hospitality hub.
This acquisition places Dr Schwartz in direct competition with industry heavyweights Justin Hemmes’ Merivale and Judy McMahon’s Catalina, both key players in Sydney’s luxury dining and entertainment scene.
A Rich Aviation History Revived
Rose Bay has long been synonymous with Australia’s seaplane heritage, dating back to 1938 when it served as the arrival point for Qantas’ international flying boats on the iconic Kangaroo Route. Over the decades, the area has evolved into a major destination for scenic flights and high-end waterfront dining.
Dr Schwartz, already a one-third stakeholder in Sydney Seaplanes for the past five years, decided to acquire full ownership to implement broader changes. Under his leadership, the company is set to expand its fleet from three to five aircraft, including an additional de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver currently undergoing modifications.
Sydney Seaplanes Lounge: A Culinary Transformation
The waterfront Empire Lounge will be rebranded as the Sydney Seaplanes Lounge, offering a modern Australian seafood-focused menu led by new Head Chef Natali Mikailoğlu. With experience at Rockpool, Merivale, and The Boathouse Group, Chef Mikailoğlu has curated a menu featuring:
- Thai-style barramundi curry
- Mediterranean pan-fried snapper
- Seafood spaghetti with calamari, mussels, and prawns
The restaurant, originally designed as a luxury waiting lounge for seaplane travellers, will now serve as a standalone destination for premium dining, events, and waterfront entertainment.
Competition Heats Up in Rose Bay’s Hospitality Scene
Dr Schwartz’s expansion puts him in direct competition with Justin Hemmes’ Merivale Group, which is set to take over RSL Club Rose Bay, as well as the iconic Catalina restaurant, a long-time staple in Sydney’s fine dining landscape.
Dr Schwartz expressed a positive outlook on the increasing competition in Rose Bay, stating that rival developments contribute to overall improvement and growth in the area.
He acknowledged Justin Hemmes’ acquisition of Club Rose Bay and the longstanding presence of Catalina, highlighting that their combined influence helps establish Rose Bay as a premier hospitality precinct.
Future Expansion and Regional Connectivity
Beyond the hospitality revamp, Dr Schwartz has ambitious plans to expand Sydney Seaplanes’ flight operations, adding routes to Wollongong and Newcastle. These additions will increase connectivity between Sydney and regional destinations while reinforcing Rose Bay’s status as an aviation hub.
With investments in both aviation and dining, Dr Schwartz aims to enhance the suburb’s appeal as a premier leisure and tourism destination, combining scenic flights with world-class waterfront experiences.
Published 15-Feb-2025
