First look at new venue, JUJU, that will be taking over the renowned Hellenika site in Nobby Beach

A new venue will be taking over a high-profile site at Nobby Beach in the coming month, promising ‘next-level entertainment’. FULL STORY

First look at new venue to take over renowned Hellenika building. PIcture: Supplied.

A new split-level venue promising both fine dining and a “Euro-inspired” after-party element will take over the renowned Hellenika building in Nobby Beach.

The pair behind the project called JUJU, Luna Group’s Trent Redman and Cody Beck, are both Gold Coasters and say the venue will bring a next-level entertainment factor to the precinct when it opens in October.

First look at new venue to take over renowned Hellenika building. PIcture: Supplied.

Mr Redman said the inspiration for JUJU was a combination of “European vibes meets Catch NYC”.

“Our retractable open-air rooftop allows dinner to flow on with cocktails, champagne, magnum bottles and much more, right through until midnight.

“Luna Group hospitality has a proven track record of creating experiences and creating atmosphere.

“I walked in and rang Cody and said, ‘Mate, this is the one – ticks all the boxes for what we want to do, beautiful restaurant, huge kitchen, the separation with the rooftop, retractable roof, function rooms, it has every element that we could possibly want to suit the direction we wanted to achieve,” he said.

JUJU is the latest offering coming to the space formerly occupied by much-loved Greek restaurant and bar Hellenika, and owners Cody Beck and Trent Redman share a drink before starting the fitout.. Picture Glenn Hampson

The menu will feature a mix of steaks including Tommy’s Tomahawk, named after Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, fresh fish, sashimi, duck and more.

Mr Beck said the dining offering would be like no other on the Gold Coast.

“We’re really going for a vibe dining experience, which we feel like no one’s really doing on the Gold Coast.

“Upstairs, after 9pm or 10pm, you’d be forgiven if you thought you’re in Mykonos or Mexico with the type of vibe we’re going to be bringing.

“We wanted to create a place on the Gold Coast where people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, who don’t want to go into Surfers Paradise but they also don’t want to go home at 8pm, can continue their night, have a few cocktails, have a dance, enjoy the atmosphere and head home at midnight,” he said.

First look at new venue to take over renowned Hellenika building. PIcture: Supplied.

JUJU’s downstairs restaurant boasts two staircases leading to a rooftop bar and balcony for those wanting to linger after dinner.

‘Upstairs’ will be a mix of cocktails, tequila carts and entertainment with a DJ-saxophonist.

The venue will be open for dinner and after-dinner entertainment four nights a week from Thursday to Sunday, with a Sunday brunch offering.

The iconic Hellenika building was last year at the centre of a fiery dispute after it’s previous occupant, Rubi Red, abruptly closed.

Rubi Red was the third venture in two years launched by operators of Burleigh’s Justin Lane, run by company MAK Hospitality, directed by Ayman Muhor and Kelvin Chenery.

The venue closed after the restaurant’s former shareholder and chef Michael Lambie took aim at his ex business partner and said the foray was “the worst experience” of his life.

Originally published as First look at new venue, JUJU, that will be taking over the renowned Hellenika site in Nobby Beach