A short history of Weis Restaurant from humble beginnings...
Weis Restaurant was originally the home of prominent Toowoomba family, the Harrisons who in 1909 established the Harrison Printing Company in Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, where it still operates today.
By the early 1920s, Mark Harrison had established his reputation as a printer, journalist, and editor of the well known and respected Agricultural Journal, "The Producer's Review". During this period, he purchased an acre of land costing £300 for a home site in the relatively undeveloped Range area of the growing city.
Walter Burley Griffin, American designer of the nation's capital, Canberra, was first commissioned to design the Harrison Home.
An innovative architect, Griffin incorporated a central courtyard in his imaginative plan, but Mark Harrison, more familiar with Toowoomba's climate, rejected the design.
The final and existing design was the work of Sydney architect Carlyle Greenwell. The plans were drawn and approved in September 1924. The building contract was signed on the 29th October 1924, by builder Daniel Gallogley, and the house was completed in 1925 at a cost of £3856.00.
The home was especially well constructed, with additional expense, to ensure its longevity. A contractor involved in the building was quoted as saying that it "would endure for 200 years without costly repairs".
The home was romantically named Alameda, after the suburb in San Francisco where Mark Harrison and his bride, Dorothy Renwick, were wed.
It was an impressive home in those days, boasting three bedrooms, a maid's room, study, large living and dining rooms, kitchen and laundry, all under the same roof. The original roof was replaced with Spanish terracotta tiles in February 1929, the first in Toowoomba. Another bedroom was added in February 1935, and the dining room was enlarged in August 1938.
Because of the location, town water was not available, and in 1925 a windmill bore was sunk in the adjoining western paddock, now 4 Margaret Street. The original depth of 435ft had to be increased to 475ft in 1937.
Mark and Dorothy Harrison raised a family of three sons and a daughter in "Alameda" and the home remained in the family until July, 1968, when it was purchased by Jean and Bob Weis, who had previously conducted Picnic Point Kiosk. Toowoomba building contractors, Ken and Herb Maurer, were engaged to transform the home into a restaurant, with the whole Weis family involved.
A busy month later, on August 26, 1968, Weis "Top of the Range" Restaurant welcomed its first diners.
Weis Restaurant was purchased by Darling Downs residents, John and Val Pohlman & family in 2000, the restaurant had been a treasured dining spot for the Pohmans for too many years to count.
The Restaurant remains owned and operated by the Pohlmans and Weis Restaurant is as much a Toowoomba landmark today as "Alameda" was in 1925.
About Weis Restaurant One of Queensland's Hospitality Hot Spots
From Flagstone Creek to Fremantle, from Allora to Albury, Pittsworth to
Paris, Dalby to Dunedin, Tenterfield to Tasmania and everywhere in between....Weis'
visitors book collection is testimony to the fact that people from all over
the world come to sample Weis' award winning smorgasbord. And we welcome
diners for all number of reasons....a family reunion, a sales road trip,
tourists passing through or a cast of celebrities in town for an Empire
Theatre performance....any...all of those reasons or quite honestly for
no particular reason at all.
Locals especially boast that the fact that one of Queensland's most recognised restaurants is right here in their own backyard, is reason enough to keep them coming back.
As you may have heard or already experienced, we have a sumptuous smorgasbord of all your favourites; the best quality succulent seafood (which is all from Australian waters), a delicious hot carvery showcasing flavours from all around the globe, fresh crisp salads and seasonal fruits, piping hot breads straight from our oven and mouth-watering desserts that would challenge any favourite from grandmas kitchen.
You'll also notice we freely feature herbs in both our cooking and garnishing. We use and recommend the Hidden Valley Herb range. We grow our herbs right here in one of our many on site gardens.
And diners don't be surprised if we tempt your tastebuds with our Chef's selection of Weis Choices (a range of à la carte style options, cooked fresh and delivered to your table) including premium quality Darling Downs Rib-on-the Bone. Well, when you dine at Weis' you certainly don't go home hungry!
Please remember if you're planning a visit to Weis' and you have special dietary needs to speak with our staff about your requirements when you make your booking.
We want every diners experience to be memorable for all the right reasons.
From a special occasion celebration to a seniors lunch to an important corporate function Weis' old world charm, award winning menu, personalised service and picturesque setting at the top of the Toowoomba Range is the only choice when only the best will do!
Awards consistent commitment to service and uncompromising quality of produce
Our customers are our greatest achievement!
Weis Restaurant has been welcoming discerning diners from around the corner and around the world for nearly 4 decades. Throughout that time, we have been recognised by many industry organisations as one of the best in the hospitality field.
Multiple awards proudly adorn our walls (we have even been recognised for our outstanding efforts to protect the environment) for which we are most grateful however, it goes without saying that our greatest achievement is the thousands of diners we welcome through our door each year.
We now share a meal with over 70 000 valued customers every year and that is truly a reward that no statuette can equal.
An employer of choice excellent opportunities for the right candidates
At Weis' we recognise our business is built on standards, high standards;
with our presentation, atmosphere, food quality and service and that's why
mature minded staff with a goal of individual
excellence are always welcome additions to our dynamic team.
Weis Restaurant is a preferred employer, offering exciting employment and career opportunities across a range of positions.