Brisbane restaurant announces big plans to open $13m joint in Sydney
A popular Brisbane restaurant will be plating up for some of the nation’s toughest critics after announcing their new multimillion-dollar venture in Sydney Harbour.
QLD Business
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THE Brisbane hospitality group behind upmarket restaurant Madame Wu is set to expand with plans to spend $13 million replicating the popular venue at a new prime Sydney harbour location.
Brothers and co-directors Adrian and Nick Rosato of RawGROUP Hospitality, that runs a string of swanky Brisbane establishments including Madame Wu, Chu the Phat and Beach House Bar and Grill, will open a 250-seat venue next to the Opera House at Circular Quay next year.
Adrian Rosato said the brothers were looking for their “next step” since opening their Asian fusion restaurant Madame Wu five years ago.
Mr Rosato said their brand required a “super premium” location and they jumped at the opportunity when there was a vacancy at a new retail and residential development in Bennelong Point, next to the Opera House.
“We found a great location in Circular Quay and felt we were ready to do Madame Wu number two,” Mr Rosato said.
Yet the prized waterfront location doesn’t come cheap.
They will be splashing $13 million to construct a two-level waterfront venue featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a deluxe bar with about 70 staff.
A stunning spiral staircase will connect the two levels of the restaurant along with a circular glass wine cellar at its centre.
Mr Rosato said he hopes Sydney diners will embrace the restaurant’s signature Asian-fusion dishes from duck buns to Moreton Bay Bugs dumplings.
“Our chef Brendon Barker’s unique take on the way he fuses the flavours all over the southeast is outstanding.
“I think diners will love the clean flavours with local produce and a great dining experience,” he said.
Mr Rosato said Madame Wu Sydney would open in late 2020 with RawGROUP Hospitality signing a 12-year initial lease worth up to $9million, with the option to extend.
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