Sunshine Coast fine dining: Ohana Group opens private dining space Venu
A renowned Noosa chef and wedding stylist’s new private fine dining experience has attracted high profile clients within months of opening.
Business
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An exclusive dining and function venue has attracted a Netflix pilot film crew, ex-politicians and sports stars within the first months of opening at a Sunshine Coast industrial park.
Ohana Group’s Ryan Fitzpatrick and Rashi Devandra opened Venu in a bid to fill a gap in the region’s fine-dining experiences.
The Coolum Beach industrial park space is used for food and production shoots, private fine dining experiences and functions and events in what is believed to be a Sunshine Coast first.
Wedding and events stylist Ms Devandra said it took up to 10 months to transform what was a blank canvas with cement walls into a space for private dinners for groups of 10 or functions for up to 120 people.
Their chefs table events have proved to be popular with 10 diners treated to between 12 and 20 courses with paired beverages over four hours.
Mr Fitzpatrick said he wanted to open a dedicated private dining space after spending years hiring penthouses or venues for clients who wanted to share a meal in an intimate setting.
He said Venu hosted birthdays and celebrations or for people who simply wanted to dine privately with their friends.
“I used to work on super yachts and some of the clients I’d cook for would appreciate things like this, the exclusivity and having a space to themselves,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
With weddings and large events cancelled due to Covid-19 Mr Fitzpatrick said private dining experiences became a larger part of Ohana Group’s business.
The Peregian Beach couple sold Ohana Kitchen at Noosaville and launched the Coolum Industrial Park venue.
Mr Fitzpatrick said the Junction Drive site was also used to film part of a promo for a Netflix pilot show.
“The Sunshine Coast is growing so much and we wanted to grow with it,” he said.
“We always look at what we do and try not to do the same thing as what we did six months ago.
“With people being quite restricted on what they can do with travel there’s this craving for more content and experiences.”
He said for those dining in the menu was based on what local suppliers had and seasonal ingredients.
He said in coming months Venu would host wine and produce showcases.
Venu adds to Ohana Group’s Tiki’s Shack food truck, wedding and events and catering businesses.
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