John Kilroy sells iconic Brisbane restaurants Cha Cha Char and Il Centro

It’s been a Brisbane culinary institution, now the Eagle Street Pier steakhouse has been sold, along with a neighbouring restaurant to make way for big changes at the CBD site

Brisbane’s iconic steakhouse Cha Cha Char and Italian restaurant Il Centro at Eagle Street Pier have been sold, with long-time owner John Kilroy retiring from the hospitality industry.

In a deal months in the making, Mr Kilroy sold Cha Cha Char to prolific restaurateur Michael Tassis, who owns neighbouring Eagle Street Pier venues George’s Paragon, Rico Bar & Dining and Massimo, and business partner Ciao Rosetto.

The sale comes after Andy Georges sold Mr & Mrs G Riverbar, which is located nearby also in the Eagle Street Pier precinct.

The iconic steakhouse Cha Cha Char at Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane’s CBD has been sold. Picture: David Clark

While Il Centro has been bought by well-regarded restaurateur Tom Sanceau of The Happy Fat Group, who has owned eateries in Australia, Los Angeles and London, including Brisbane’s Red Hook.

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Mr Tassis will give Cha Cha Char a freshen up and add a new seafood element, renaming the venue Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster. While Il Centro will become Coppa – with nearby Creek St Italian restaurant Coppa Spuntino moving into the Eagle Street Pier site.

“We’re looking forward to what is to come with Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster, an iconic piece of Brisbane for the next generation,” Mr Tassis said.

Michael Tassis, owner of Georges Paragon Seafood Restaurant, Rico Bar and Dining and Massimo, will transform the steakhouse into Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster. Picture: Josh Woning

“We’re very proud to be following in the footsteps of John Kilroy, and thank him for his trust in us to carry the legacy on. We’re particularly excited for what this new concept will bring, and we’re sure Brisbane will love it.”

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The new Cha Cha Char Steak and Lobster is being given a major renovation and will include a glamorous alfresco area overlooking the Brisbane River. A whisky and wine bar will also be added, serving more than 150 whiskies and an impressive list of wine from around the world.

Inside the old Il Centro, Brisbane, which will now become home to Coppa.

Mr Tassis has vowed to continue the iconic restaurant’s great steak legacy with the best beef around, as well as add lobster from Tasmania and Western Australia.

Meanwhile, Coppa will offer casual indoor and alfresco dining, heroing Australian produce.

“Myself and The Happy Fat Group could not be more excited to relocate Coppa to such an iconic dining destination, and offer the Coppa experience with river views at Eagle Street Pier,” said Mr Sanceau.

Both venues are tipped to open next month.