Periwinkle owner Frank Boulay opening new Italian restaurant in Maroochydore CBD

After the runaway success of his beachside venue, renowned chef Frank Boulay has splashed half a million dollars on a presence in the new Maroochydore CBD. Find out why here.

Husband and Wife team Karin Doldl and Frank Boulay who own Periwinkle Restaurant at Peregian Beach who say. the lifting of restrictions to 20 diners is fantastic news for their business. Photo Lachie Millard

The owner of a well-known beach town restaurant on the Sunshine Coast has revealed he’s forking out $500,000 to open an Italian venue in the new Maroochydore CBD.

Sunshine Coast chef Frank Boulay, who owns French restaurant Periwinkle in Peregian Beach, will open Bottarga Restaurant within the $83m residential project, Market Lane.

Mr Boulay said the 230sq m restaurant will seat up to 120 guests, with the half-a-million-dollar price tag funding an elegant interior and stone bar, and diners being treated to cured fish roe, handmade pastas, and up to 100 different wines from Italy and Europe.

Husband and Wife team Karin Doldl and Frank Boulay. Photo Lachie Millard

The veteran chef said he always wanted to expand his restaurant business and saw an opportunity after the success of neighbouring restaurants, Giddy Geisha and Market Bistro.

“We can do the same, so why not?” he said.

Inside the upcoming Bottarga Restaurant. Picture: supplied.

The Italian restaurant scene on the Sunshine Coast is competitive and Mr Boulay said his was set to be a standout by offering not only traditional cuisine, but their own creative takes on food.

“We’re not going to be another Italian (restaurant),” he said.

Most of the kitchen and floor staff were on board and it was planned to open the venue this month, but huge delays in the construction industry have seen opening pushed back until early December.

Inside the upcoming Bottarga Restaurant. Picture: supplied.

Mr Boulay’s news comes after a couple of popular cafes have been eyeing expansion into the upcoming Sunshine Coast City Hall worth $100m.

Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce president Brendan Bathersby said hospitality venues were attracted to the new area because it was rapidly growing and easily accessible from surrounding suburbs.

“It’s the shiny new nugget,” he said.

Mr Bathersby said it could follow in similar footsteps of other premium commercial destinations, such as the Wharf Mooloolaba, saying development of the new hub could continue for the next 10-15 years.