After seven years running popular beachside kiosk Ruby's on Bulli Beach, Laurie and Michelle Gripton have been outbid by an operator willing to pay $63,000 above the usual rent.Mr Gripton last night appealed to Wollongong City Council's administrators to re-examine the issue. But his presentation, and a 4500-signature petition in support of Ruby's, were not enough to sway the administrators. The tender was awarded to Sea Salt on Bulli Beach, which offered to pay an annual rental of just over $138,000 or $18,000 more than the tender submitted by the Griptons.The annual rent is $63,000 more than the amount paid by Ruby's.Wollongong women Rosemary Kohen and Alison Windsor registered the business name Sea Salt on Bulli Beach two months ago.In a presentation to the council, Mr Gripton said he had invested $350,000 to purchase the business and $50,000 on improvements."With a 10-year lease we would have the opportunity to complete planned improvements to the property. We are planning on putting $200,000 into the business," he said.He said the business also supported the surf-lifesaving club and nearby schools - factors which were not part of the tender assessment criteria."The business is an icon in the northern suburbs now. It is the envy of a lot of beach kiosks," he said.Administrator Col Gellatly said after the meeting that the administrators had no flexibility when it came to awarding tenders and they had to be based on listed criteria."We understand the concerns and we empathise with the situation the current operators find themselves in," he said."While there was a petition written in support of the current operators, unfortunately that doesn't carry any weight."Mr Gripton said although the couple was disappointed, they would now have more time to enjoy the beach from the other side of the counter. "One door closes and another opens. We have worked 14-hour days seven-days-a-week for seven years so we are looking forward to a long break," he said."I wish to thank all our loyal staff and customers."Fourteen groups were vying for the right to operate the busy kiosk. Among them prominent Illawarra restaurateurs including Alex Marlos from the Beachhouse, Rob and Rowena Lisk from R&R Catering, Diggies Cafe owner Stan Crinis and the owners of the Harbourfront restaurant at Belmore Basin.