Coronavirus Qld: Dream bar at the Pier defies downturn

This man and his business partner have defied the COVID-induced doldrums to purchase their dream riverfront bar.

New bar owner Chris Higgins has brushed off the COVID-19 pandemic to purchase his dream hospitality business on the Brisbane River.

Mr Higgins and co-owner Liam McMahon this month took control of the Mr and Mrs G Riverbar at Eagle Street Pier.

The purchase from veteran restaurateur Andy Georges, made during a dire year for the hospitality industry, was a dream come true for Mr Higgins.

“I’ve always looked at it and hoped one day it would be mine,” he said.

Chris Higgins at his recently purchased Mr & Mrs G Riverbar at Eagle Street Pier. Picture: Tara Croser

Mr McMahon dismissed the significance of making the purchase during a pandemic.

“It’s always a scary thing starting a new business venture regardless, but when you have a bar on the Brisbane River, it’s just too perfect,” he said.

Mr Higgins acknowledged bars and restaurants faced a difficult road to recovery, but said major progress, including the $2.1bn transformation of the Eagle Street Pier, was occurring.

“Eagle Street Pier is always going to be the centre of Brisbane’s financial district and I don’t think that is going to change,” Mr Higgins said.

“We’re on the back of a tough year, so seeing progress and people wanting to get ahead in this hospitality industry that I love is brilliant.”

Mr Higgins now hopes to turn Mr and Mrs G Riverbar into the ultimate corporate meeting place.