Big Don's Smoked Meats: Famous BBQ joint plans to relocate from Bayswater home over local government tension

West Australian

04-06-2025

Popular BBQ joint Big Don's Smoked Meats has announced plans to relocate from its current home in Bayswater.
The beloved barbecue restaurant took to social media on Tuesday calling for suggestions on where it should relocate to once its lease ended — citing a 'tenuous relationship' with the City of Bayswater.
'Our tenuous relationship with the City of Bayswater has been well documented over the years,' owner Donovan MacDonald wrote.
'Some councils are better than others, and if the right one was supportive and wanted to see BDSM in their suburb we would jump ship when our lease ends, for the right space.
'Frankly, some Perth councils are so backwards you don't feel welcome. The bureaucracy is appalling whether you're a small food truck or a large restaurant like ours, we've been both.
'You saw just the other week Bayswater ban food trucks from within 200m of a brick and mortar.
'Perth's food scene could be far better than it is if local government pulled their finger out. I'd love to see an amalgamation.
'Globally our food truck scene is the worst due primarily to local governments.'
The announcement comes less than three years after PerthNow reported plans for a
300-capacity microbrewery
and beer garden to open alongside the barbecue joint on Moojebing Street — Mr MacDonald had hoped for an early 2023 opening.
He listed some of the issues his business had been hit with over the years including: food had to be take-away only, 20-seat limit forcing customers to bring their own tables and chairs, and that their portable toilets were not building permit approved.
'We've had a lot of support from local councillors over the years no doubt, but the feeling from the city itself is: it's too difficult, we don't want you. Nor will we work with you in a constructive manner for a positive outcome for all,' Mr MacDonald continued.
'We have several years left, but a project the size of our shop would need years lead time anyway. Who's out there, slide into my DMs.'
The post triggered a wave of messages from keen councillors across the city.
'You need to come down to the City of Cockburn and discuss how we can help,' City of Cockburn councillor Tom Windenbar wrote.
City of Kwinana mayor Peter Feasey said: 'Send me an email, lets talk!'
City of Gosnells mayor Terresa Lynes added: 'I might know where there's a big old building that might suit you .... I'll flick you an email. Can everyone stop sending me this post now!'
Mr MacDonald started his barbecue business from his backyard before officially launching as Big Don's in 2017.
He now boasts a 230,000 following on Instagram and his menu items, posted weekly for pre-order, sell out within minutes.