Sunshine Coast hospitality business Backstreet Cafe’s sales increase from Mooloolaba new park

While small businesses are enjoying noticeable benefits of the new $16m Mooloolaba beachfront park, one businessman says it could all be undone by one thing.

A new family park at Mooloolaba esplanade is creating a “massive” boost in sales for nearby hospitality businesses, but one businessman fears that could change if the council attracts a new, competing cafe.

The Sunshine Coast Council opened a much-anticipated $16m park, Northern Parkland, along the beachfront of Mooloolaba in late June with its slides, swings, and yellow climbing net attracting families who, in turn, overflow to nearby shops.

Backstreet Cafe owner Paul Godfrey said it had a “massive” increase in sales after the new park opened, with takeaway coffees leaping by 20 per cent.

But the business owner, whose cafe is across the road from the park, said he worried this could be undone if the council allowed a new eatery to be built next to the park, so families won’t bother crossing the road.

“They’re going to the closest establishment,” he said.

Backstreet Cafe owner Paul Godfrey. Picture: Asa Andersen.

He said it would be an extra burden on his business, given he was already paying “exceptionally high” rent in the area.

“It’s really a joke,” he said.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said the council consulted the community early this year about future development along the town’s foreshore, including what type of food outlet should open in the park.

Options included a permanent kiosk, a cafe, a licensed cafe or a pop-up, temporary food truck.

Mooloolaba's Northern Parkland. Picture: Sunshine Coast Council.

The spokesman said there wasn’t a clear outcome from the community and the council would continue to explore the possibility of a new venue.

Sunshine Coast Council councillor Joe Natoli said he supported the idea, doubting it would hinder existing eateries given a new one would likely be small.

While a future venue remained in the air, many small businesses along the esplanade were happy to soak up the boost in trade from families.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees owner and manager Ryan Salisbury said he saw a “boom” in families since the park opened and added more children’s treats and a mini play area outside to support more parents and children dining in.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees owner and manager Ryan Salisbury. Picture: Asa Andersen.

The council spokesman said total spend in the beach town was $115m in the quarter between July and September – an increase of $9m compared to $106m in the previous quarter.

While the park played a role in this rise, the spokesman said it was also supported by school holidays and a change of season and travel conditions.