Bracken Ridge Tavern to unveil the first stage of a $10m transformation in November
These second-generation publicans have unveiled plans to transform their family's renowned Brisbane tavern into a $10m modern hospitality destination.
Family-owned Bracken Ridge Tavern will unveil the first stage of a $10m transformation in November with the owners saying it will set new standards for suburban hospitality.
The White family has owned and operated the pub in Brisbane’s northside for more than four decades.
Second-generation publicans Chad and Elisabeth White, who left their corporate jobs to carry on the family legacy, say the renovation is both a personal journey and a vision to reinvigorate a community institution.
“Bracken Ridge Tavern has always been part of the community’s fabric, but we wanted to create a place that evolves with it,” Chad White says.
The couple are aiming to turn the 2145 sqm venue into a vibrant, all-day destination for families, food lovers, and social groups alike.
Stage one includes a new Italian eatery with rustic-modern interiors and an open kitchen, a redesigned steakhouse, Panama Jacks, and a lively laneway that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces.
Stage two will introduce The Captain’s Sports Bar in 2026, a modern social hub complete with multiple screens and group seating, and a brand-new dedicated function room designed for community celebrations.
Life’s journey
Peter Dornan has left the building.
After 60 years in the physiotherapy business – including 40 years at his Morley St practice in Toowong – Dornan has officially retired.
But we think the 82-year-old will continue to lead a busy life.
The classical sculptor, painter, author, one-time Queensland welterweight boxing champion and mountain climber, sports medicine pioneer and instigator of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia won’t be waiting around for something to do.
Citybeat caught up with him on his last day and he says he’s feeling a bit “discombobulated” or in other words confused.
“I have no plan B and I’m still coming to terms with it, but I’ll treat it as a new adventure,” he says.
Banking buzz
The Commonwealth Bank’s AGM at the Gabba on Wednesday sparked plenty of stories but we hear that for Queensland’s business and property heavyweights it was the CBA-hosted dinner at Blackbird the night before that had the buzz.
The impact of AI and the moves to send jobs offshore may have had CBA CEO Matt Comyn on the defensive at the AGM but we hear he charmed the crowd which included real estate and resources billionaire Sam Chong.
We’re told that Sentinel Property Group CEO Warren Ebert (illustrated) was seated next to Comyn at the dinner and was wearing a badge awarded by the United Nations in recognition of his company’s efforts to improve the environment.
Other property industry figures invited to the CBA soiree included Aria Property Group founder Tim Forrester, Cavcorp owner Damien Cavalucci and CG Property Group’s Michael Callow and Mark Gilbride.
CEO leaves
After being in the job for a year Brisbane Tattersalls Club CEO Darren Morrish has resigned.
He’ll officially leave on October 31 and in a statement Tattersalls says Morrish “will remain a friend of the club”.
In turn Morrish says “it has been a privilege to serve in this role”.
In the meantime, the club will start the search for a new CEO which they hope to be able to fill in early next year.
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Originally published as Bracken Ridge Tavern to unveil the first stage of a $10m transformation in November
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