Mackay’s Bluebird Lounge wraps up, owner Colleen Johnson ready to retire

After more than 10 years, the newly re-branded Wood St eatery will close its doors as the owners hang-up their aprons one final time. Find out why.

Coco Cubano owner Colleen Johnston is looking forward to "a week in Havana" once the Mackay restaurant is sold. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Just months after overhauling to make themselves more appealing to buyers a CBD restaurant will be closing its doors.

Bluebird Lounge, formerly a Coco’s Cubano franchise, was run by Len and Colleen Johnston at 74 Wood St for more than 10 years.

The Cuban style restaurant was put on the market in September 2023 for $295,000, with Mrs Johnston and her husband excitedly anticipating retirement.

Coco Cubano was operated by the Johnstons on Wood St for more than nine years before it transformed into Bluebird Lounge. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Unfortunately it was not meant to be as, Mrs Johnston reflected, “no one wants to buy a franchise”.

After ending their franchise agreement with Coco’s Cubano, the Johnston’s re branded their restaurant into the Bluebird Lounge in June, hoping to make the business attractive for buyers.

Ms Johnston said despite their efforts they had not found a buyer and she and Len made the decision to shut down the business and start their retirement.

On November 19 Bluebird Lounge announced its closure through a post to Facebook and said it would stop trading on November 30.

Len and Colleen Johnston are looking forward to potentially travelling to the UK and Ireland in their retirement. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“We want to see more of Australia,” Ms Johston said.

“Go down the east coast … we’ve never been out to Long Reach or Uluru.”

As part of their closure the Johnston’s said all fixtures, fittings and furniture is on sale for collection following November 30.

Ms Johnston said she hopes whoever takes over the space after them does well.

“Thank you for all your support,” she said to her patrons.

“We’ve been in this venue for over 10 years and you don’t stay that long without great patrons.”

The Johnstons urged customers to make reservations if they want to visit before “the final hurrah”.