Popular Dunkeld eatery, Craft Diner, is set for expansion after Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and placemaking committee granted approval for a larger takeaway unit. Chef and owner Orkun Cevik shared the news, hinting at potential plans to bring his sought-after burgers to Perth in the near future.
The approved plans will significantly enlarge the current Atholl Street car park location, transforming the compact 10ft by 8ft premises into a more spacious 10ft by 30ft unit. The expansion will facilitate a larger cooking area, an extended decking for customers, additional covered seating, and space for several tables. Cevik stated that the Dunkeld expansion will accommodate the growing customer base, currently serving around 180 people daily, and represents the maximum planned growth for this location. Addressing Controversy and Community Support
The expansion proposal wasn’t without its challenges, receiving 12 objections alongside 66 letters of support. Concerns raised by objectors, including Chris Claydon, focused on waste management and a perceived rat infestation connected to the business. Claydon also referenced an alleged “online hate campaign” launched by Cevik against critics in December of the previous year, citing an Instagram post where the chef expressed frustration with individuals he felt were claiming ownership of the town.
Cevik refuted these claims, emphasizing that environmental health officers had conducted multiple unannounced inspections and found no issues. He attributed the rat presence to a longstanding issue in the area, predating his business, asserting, “The rats have been there for maybe 1,000 years. I didn’t create it. My business didn’t create it. They were already there.” A Cyclist-Friendly Haven and a Chef’s Journey
Strong community support for the Craft Diner was evident in statements from figures like Mike Stead of Highland Perthshire Cycling. Stead highlighted the diner’s unique role in catering to cyclists, providing an all-weather, outdoor dining experience where cyclists can keep an eye on their bikes and relax without the constraint of bringing muddy attire indoors. This, he noted, contributed significantly to Dunkeld’s visitor economy.
Cevik’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2021, following job loss due to the pandemic. He launched Craft Diner in a repurposed shipping container near Dunkeld and Birnam Railway Station, later relocating to the Atholl Street car park in 2023. The chef, formerly of Dunkeld House Hotel, has gained recognition for his direct communication style, publicly addressing issues such as racist abuse directed at his business and responding to negative online reviews. Looking Ahead to Perth
The Craft Diner’s success in Dunkeld has fueled Cevik’s ambition to expand his unique burger offerings. He informed the council committee of his intention to seek a Perth location for a new venture “very soon,” suggesting that Perth residents may soon have the opportunity to enjoy the Craft Diner experience closer to home. While details remain under wraps, this announcement signals a potential culinary development for the Fair City, building upon the diner’s existing popularity in Highland Perthshire.
This expansion not only reflects the Craft Diner’s growing success but also underlines the vital role of local businesses in enhancing the region’s appeal, particularly for visitors exploring popular destinations such as the nearby Birks of Aberfeldy and the scenic routes around Loch Tay. The prospect of a Perth location adds to the anticipation, suggesting a new chapter for both the Craft Diner and the Fair City’s food scene.
The approved plans will significantly enlarge the current Atholl Street car park location, transforming the compact 10ft by 8ft premises into a more spacious 10ft by 30ft unit. The expansion will facilitate a larger cooking area, an extended decking for customers, additional covered seating, and space for several tables. Cevik stated that the Dunkeld expansion will accommodate the growing customer base, currently serving around 180 people daily, and represents the maximum planned growth for this location. Addressing Controversy and Community Support
The expansion proposal wasn’t without its challenges, receiving 12 objections alongside 66 letters of support. Concerns raised by objectors, including Chris Claydon, focused on waste management and a perceived rat infestation connected to the business. Claydon also referenced an alleged “online hate campaign” launched by Cevik against critics in December of the previous year, citing an Instagram post where the chef expressed frustration with individuals he felt were claiming ownership of the town.
Cevik refuted these claims, emphasizing that environmental health officers had conducted multiple unannounced inspections and found no issues. He attributed the rat presence to a longstanding issue in the area, predating his business, asserting, “The rats have been there for maybe 1,000 years. I didn’t create it. My business didn’t create it. They were already there.” A Cyclist-Friendly Haven and a Chef’s Journey
Strong community support for the Craft Diner was evident in statements from figures like Mike Stead of Highland Perthshire Cycling. Stead highlighted the diner’s unique role in catering to cyclists, providing an all-weather, outdoor dining experience where cyclists can keep an eye on their bikes and relax without the constraint of bringing muddy attire indoors. This, he noted, contributed significantly to Dunkeld’s visitor economy.
Cevik’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2021, following job loss due to the pandemic. He launched Craft Diner in a repurposed shipping container near Dunkeld and Birnam Railway Station, later relocating to the Atholl Street car park in 2023. The chef, formerly of Dunkeld House Hotel, has gained recognition for his direct communication style, publicly addressing issues such as racist abuse directed at his business and responding to negative online reviews. Looking Ahead to Perth
The Craft Diner’s success in Dunkeld has fueled Cevik’s ambition to expand his unique burger offerings. He informed the council committee of his intention to seek a Perth location for a new venture “very soon,” suggesting that Perth residents may soon have the opportunity to enjoy the Craft Diner experience closer to home. While details remain under wraps, this announcement signals a potential culinary development for the Fair City, building upon the diner’s existing popularity in Highland Perthshire.
This expansion not only reflects the Craft Diner’s growing success but also underlines the vital role of local businesses in enhancing the region’s appeal, particularly for visitors exploring popular destinations such as the nearby Birks of Aberfeldy and the scenic routes around Loch Tay. The prospect of a Perth location adds to the anticipation, suggesting a new chapter for both the Craft Diner and the Fair City’s food scene.