Bar 94 in Mackay cancels reopening, opts to remain shut

A CBD spot famous for its Spanish wood-fired oven will not be reopening after five months of speculation, and an attempt to renovate.

Another Wood St business is leaving a hole in the CBD after just two years of business.

A Wood St pub and eatery has shut its doors after just two years of business in the Mackay CBD.

Bar 94 opened to great acclaim in 2022, enticing customers with Spanish and South American inspired cuisine and signature cocktails.

The bar's issues began when they had to close to repair some cracked tiling in September 2023, they would not reopen. Photo: Bar 94 Facebook

However, after closing temporarily in September 2023 following an issue with the floor tiling, the bar’s owners have made the decision to shut down the bar for good.

“We now don’t have the option to revive the venue,” the owners said in a post on Facebook.

“We are pleased, as short lived as we were, we were able to provide many of you in and out of Mackay some great quality, food, beverages and dining here in Mackay.”

The move came as a shock to many as up until January 2024 the restaurant was actively searching for new staff for the promised reopening of the venue.

Regular customers expressed their excitement for the reopening with Bar 94 staff responding, “it’s going to be a difficult and long process we appreciate everyone’s support.”

Bar 94 owner and head chef Dan did not want to comment on the closure of his restaurant. Photo: Bar 94 Facebook

It’s unclear why Bar 94’s owners are unable to re-open. Head chef Dan Cavacas declined to comment.

At the time of opening, he said the secret to their flavours was a Josper oven, one of just three in Queensland that gives dishes a unique smokey flavour and texture cooked over charcoal.

“A couple of times down south I worked with a Spanish wood-fired oven and I fell in love with it,” Mr Cavacas said.

The closure has left many former customers disappointed with Stacey Luscombe-Trott commenting on Facebook “Oh bugger you guys were amazing”.

Bar 94 was popular for its food and affordable group set menus. Photo: Bar 94 Facebook

Another commenter, Marti Harris, wrote, “Dan and Liv thank you for all your passion in bringing that high level of style and sophistication that you guys stand for to Mackay”.

Several commenters asked about vouchers they’d received or purchased as gifts, asking if there was “anyone they could get in touch with.”

It’s unknown if those concerns have been addressed.

“Thank you to all that dined with us, supported us, our suppliers, our partners and even those who were thrilled with us,” the owners wrote on Facebook.

It’s not the only business to call it quits on Wood St recently, with Pure Harmony Skin and Beauty closing its doors two months ago, citing ‘staffing issues’.