New Orleans-style bar ready for much-anticipated debut

AMERICA'S deep south will stake a claim at the southern end of Duporth Ave when a New Orleans-style restaurant makes its much-anticipated opening.

AMERICA'S deep south will stake a claim at the southern end of Duporth Ave when a New Orleans-style restaurant makes its much-anticipated opening.

One of the driving forces behind the revitalisation of Maroochydore's Ocean St, Brendan Bryant, has teamed up with chef Liam Brown to offer the classics of New Orleans cuisine with a modern French Orléans twist.

They started gutting the shop that used to be The Sculpted Leaf florist about three months ago.

Mr Brown and head chef Mark Johnson were willing to release a details from their closely guarded menu, with seafood dish gumbo and French pastry beignets to feature.

"We will kick off with a base menu and then be spontaneous with our specials and the way we approach things," Mr Johnson said.

"We will put our own spin and modern feel on it," Mr Brown said.

Mr Bryant said Orléans Bar and Restaurant was already booked out for Friday's opening night, including a table of 22.

Jazz music will compliment the "old world" bar and dining area, with an American bar manager bringing his expertise in bourbon whiskey selection.

"We've got a really good team," Mr Bryant said.

"I'm excited about it."

There will also be kerbside dining.

Orleans Bar and Restaurant owners Liam Brown and Brendan Bryant are looking forward to opening in Duporth Ave on Friday. . Picture: john mccutcheon

Mr Bryant, who is also a developer with family business Bryant Property Group and Holdings, said he wanted to extend the hospitality of Ocean St along Duporth Ave.

Bryant Property Group owns the building where Orléans will open as well as nine other office buildings in the Maroochydore/ Cotton Tree area.

Mr Bryant and lifelong friend James Birrell were founders of the Maroochydore Revitalisation Association.

Since 2012 the association has coordinated initiatives including the Ocean St night markets and the Ocean St World Festival as well as the Captain and the Duke Pop up Bar.

"We kind of neglected Duporth (Ave) a bit so having this here is going to help," Mr Bryant said.

He was confident there was sufficient demand in the area for another dining option.

"With the people on the street and all of the commercial tenants it will be great."