15 new businesses calling Moreton Bay home in 2022
FULL LIST: From pubs and cafes to doctors and dog day cares, there is a fresh surge of new businesses opening in Moreton Bay. Meet the faces behind the names.
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Running a business is hard but the Moreton Bay region has welcomed many new ventures, and their owners, to the region this year.
Moreton Bay Regional Council’s economic development team estimates they’ve assisted with investments worth $769.4 million this year and forecasts 773 new jobs in the pipeline for next year given the areas’s current rate of growth.
Here, we take a look at 15 new businesses and their owners calling Moreton Bay home in 2022.
A. D. I Dance Studios, Deception Bay
When Emma Jubb opened A. D. I Dance Studios in July this year, her mission was far bigger than to just open a dance studio and provide classes.
She wanted to create a positive, uplifting, non judgmental space where everyone felt welcome and comfortable to be themselves without the feeling of “not being good enough”.
The studio offers a large range of genres for Prep and above including Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Drama, a range of technique and strengthening classes along with a specialised International Dance Technique program.
They also offer an adults program also which consists of a commercial jazz style class and ballet barre.
Born in England, Ms Jubb has a National Diploma in Performing Arts and A Level in Dance, was head cheerleader for Hull FC for four years, began singing from the age of four, became a member of the Northern Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) at the age of 11 and has taught at another dance studio for 10 years in Australian prior to opening A.D.I.
“It is my aim to continue to help people believe in themselves, fight their anxieties, grow within their confidence, be comfortable in their own skin, set goals, work towards those goals and achieve those goals — that is our slogan after all — aspire, dare, ignite,” Ms Jubb said.
“Since our opening four months ago I have far exceeded my expectations, from a very successful opening to significant growth in that time.
“We have received so much positivity from our families and throughout the community which makes me very excited for the future and welcoming more and more families into our studios.
“I believe that all dancers should be given the opportunity to be taught by professionals and find it builds supportive relationships between different dance studios as well.”
Bean Seen Kitchen, Deception Bay
Bean Seen Kitchen is small cafe, caterer and mobile coffee cart opened this year by Younity, a not-for-profit social enterprise working across Moreton Bay.
Director of Younity Community Services Janine Botfield said there was a dual motivation for starting up Bean Seen Kitchen this year.
Younity had been running a small cafe (Bean Seen Coffee) for a couple of years and its reputation was growing.
“We started getting requests from local community organisations and businesses to provide catering for events or meetings they were hosting, and it was a natural growth from there,” Ms Botfield said.
“We were successful in getting a small grant to upgrade our site and equipment to manage larger orders, and then we launched as Been Seen Kitchen.
“(This year) has seen us increase our revenue by 50 per cent and next year looks great for further growth.
“The other motivation is providing a supportive work environment for people who don’t fit into mainstream jobs, such as those with mental health or learning disabilities.
“Younity has been delivering employability programs for disadvantaged jobseekers for many years, and we have always been concerned about the lack of fair-paid, sustainable work for our most disadvantaged clients.”
Era Bar & Grill, Redcliffe
It’s taken eight years but finally Damion and Shannen Beilby’s vision to offer something unique in Redcliffe has come to fruition, the largest offering of craft beer on the northside of Brisbane.
The Era Bar & Grill opened on November 30, with 25 craft beers supplied by local breweries on tap, along with spirits and fresh ingredients grown and produced either right here in the Moreton Bay Region or within southeast Queensland.
The aim to create a family-friendly local pub with craft beers, great food, 80s music and good times, where the staff know your name and your order.
General manager Ollie Thompson said the demographic of the Redcliffe area was changing with the masterplanned Newport community and Dolphins NRL team coming to town.
As such, The Beilbys saw a gap in the market and a chance to move away from big brands to local independently brewed beers.
Visitors will also be able to try a beer tasting paddle board, and pair it with burgers, pizzas and tapas from the food menu.
The couple bought the two-storey building eight years ago, which previously was the site of the Old Moreton Bay Hotel.
Fish Lips Seafood Cafe, Samford Village
Fish Lips Seafood Cafe, which has won over locals in Ferny Hills for many years, has expanded with a second store opened in Samford at 19 Main Street in the idyllic Moreton Bay village.
The beautiful northwest spot already draws a crowd with its landscapes, village stores, picnic spots and cafes as well as its famed Harry Potter-themed shop.
After opening a Fish Lips store at 10 Woodhill Rd, Ferny Hills, the duo decided it was time for the next step.
“We are really excited to provide the Samford community and surrounds quality fresh and cooked seafood on a consistent basis and to take our Fish Lips service to the Samford doorstep,” Mrs Maginness said.
“We are confident that there is heaps of demand as we will be the sole fish and chip shop in the village.”
The menu features both fresh Australian seafood and New Zealand products.
Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ, Strathpine
It’s been a true rags to riches story for Grubbies Burgers and Hawaiian BBQ owner Ben Niumata, who’s gone from selling burgers off a grill in an Ipswich courtyard, to the prospect of opening up a national fast food chain.
Mr Niumata expanded to a second store in Strathpine in November, to feed his north Brisbane customers who have been making the journey to his Redbank Plains outlet for more than a year.
The plan — establish Strathpine and then expand further to the Gold Coast and even nationwide.
Specialising in burgers and Hawaiian BBQ platters, the popularity of Grubbies has gone “bonkers” said Mr Niumata, blown away with the lines continuing to stretch out the door 15 months on from opening.
While the Redbank Plains store on Kruger Pde is a ‘hole in the wall’, the Strathpine store is 140 square metres with indoor and outdoor dining.
“I used to sell burgers off the back of a grill in a courtyard in Ipswich,” Mr Niumata said.
“It went crazy, we were selling 200 burgers in 40 minutes at the back of this grill.”
Indigo’s Cafe, Margate
Known as now being the only coffee shop on the waterfront between Redcliffe and Woody Point, Margate locals Aimee and Glenn Douglas jumped at the chance to open a dog-friendly cafe at 3/139 Margate Parade.
Tucked behind the Seafood Lovers Cafe, Mrs Douglas said the coffee beans supplied by Allpress made for a delicious cuppa, along with a strong focus on food and cold drinks.
Dogs are very welcome as well, with a bowl of water and free jar of treats available for man’s best friend.
It took the Douglas family only a couple of months preparation and just over a week to fit out the cafe and they have made a concerted effort to give youth’s their first jobs.
The cafe has received positive feedback on its food and the community support has been overwhelming.
The Douglases also have owned Backyard Features for six years, specialising in selling and installing backyard features like cubby houses, Bali huts, sheds and water features.
Lakes Coffee Co., North Lakes
The Camilleri family, owners of Lakes Hyundai, have been in the car industry for more than 50 years and are branching into the world of coffee, opening a neighbouring cafe for public.
Opening on December, the cafe is being managed by Joseph Camilleri’s wife Gina,
who has a background in hospitality, previous management experience with the Coffee Club franchise and Café management through McCafe.
You’ll also find Joseph and Gina Marie’s teenage children there lending a hand over the holidays, making it truly a family affair.
Lakes Coffee Co. is sourcing their coffee locally through another Moreton Bay region business, Neli Coffee Co in Clontarf, who own their own coffee trees.
“We wanted to be very mindful of ensuring we supported other small local business,” Mrs Camilleri said.
“We have an array of snack options, including some incredible gluten free goodies, many of which have been sourced locally including Bite Me Brownies in Redcliffe, Bask and Co Gluten free Granola, Lasagne and Pasta from Eat my Italy and Naked Berry Smoothies from Narangba to name a few.
“What makes us stand out is going to be the ever changing food display as we will be constantly sourcing amazing products for our customers and of course the bubbly good old fashioned service by our amazing staff!”
Nanna Jens Pet Services, Rocksberg
Back in 2020, Jeannette Latter, ‘Nanna Jen’ retired from the health sector after being injured.
After spending the year at home wondering where her life was heading and being diagnosed with PTSD, clinical anxiety, plus her fourth round with cancer in 2021 she began doing some babysitting.
At a babysitting booking a client asked if she would look after their pet dog.
This was the start of Nanna Jen realising her love for most animals could be her future.
On July 1 Nanna Jens hobby turned into a business, which is fully insured and registered.
Services include pet photography, pet sitting and doggy daycare.
Nanna Jen loves to learn new things and has completed qualifications in business and management during her career as a nurse and since has gained qualifications in dog behaviour and training, grooming, animal nutrition, animal first aid and CPR.
Nanna Jen’s qualifications include a diploma in grooming and certificates in dog behaviour and training, pet first aid, CPR, pet sitting and pet nutrition.
“With pets joining families during Covid they are not used to being left alone,” Ms Latter said.
“I travel to the clients homes for my grooming services which is good for pets with anxiety and puppies and elderly pets.
“Doggy day adventures is great if the owner doesn‘t have time for a trip to the beach or country, helps socialisation.”
NeedTech, Caboolture
Offering businesses help with websites, digital marketing, design, IT solutions and soon phone repairs, Need Tech owner Brandon Wessels said Need Tech does businesses with a no BS approach.
Need Tech started as an online parts store in 2015, moving parts to put food on the table for Mr Wessels.
The Caboolture shop opened in October and Mr Wessels motivation to start the business was to subsidise his wage and pay the bills, while he completed and passed the Queensland Police Academy selection process.
It turned out to be more fulfilling than anticipated and he’s stuck with it.
“Not only that, as I progressed I realised that our industry whether it’s computer repairs or websites, that it seem to be tarnished and most residential and business folk would show a level of distrust towards the job and well in truly had many things to say about past experiences that had elsewhere,” Mr Wessels said.
“I found myself generating quite a loyal and happy customer base from the way we’d keep the no BS out of it and to really humanise/simplify what we do.”
“Generally, you will go to a “Computer repair place” and then we sent somewhere else for data recovery, somewhere else to get your business emails done, and then someone else for a logo and website.
“Not here, we do it all and are setting up processes and have professionals in house to do these jobs, and do them well.”
Mr Wessels said he’d want to expand the business but not forget the roots and what he and his staff believe in.
Newport Family Doctors, Newport
Opened on November 25, Newport Family Doctors are booking up fast and getting great feedback from the local community.
Practice manager Adam Ryder said six years ago they were introduced to the developer who had a vision for an up-market shopping centre and needed a high quality medical centre to help service the thousands of people who were moving into the Newport area.
“We immediately knew we could be a part of a really exciting project that would look after Newport residents, and have been planning now for years to get everything just right,” Mr Ryder said.
“We love were we work, it is a fantastic spot, beautiful water views, and some incredible fellow tenants.
“There is no better spot to offer medical services, and no better community than Newport.
“The residents have been so welcoming and we look forward to looking after them for years to come.”
The doctors offer all general practice services with Australian-trained and local doctors who have done a lot of extra training to be able to provide a high quality level of care.
“We hope to add more male and female doctors, and work together with our pathology, allied health and chemist, to provide convenience, great care and timely access to the best medical services,” Mr Ryder said.
Ozzy Auto Electrics, Burpengary
Ozzy Auto Electrics first opened its doors for business in 2018 out of the back of a Mitsubishi Triton and small box trailer.
What started out as a dream and a big leap of faith from one eager and excited auto electrician, has now transformed into one of the most popular and recommended auto electrical workshops in the Moreton Bay region.
In 2022, the company rebranded, opened a brand-new workshop in the new industrial estate in Burpengary and now have a total of four employees and still have room for more staff.
Alex, the owner of the company, started the business with the vision of one day running a well-respected and highly trusted auto electrical company that is both well-known and well-loved within its local community.
The caravan, camping and off grid fit outs they recommend and install are all custom designed in collaboration with the customer to suit their individual needs and wants.
“Since the pandemic, Australians have realised the beauty of Australia that should and needs to be explored and as a result, the need for auto electrical caravan and camping specialists has left the company inundated with work,” Mr Marks said.
“The company rebranded to focus on the caravan and camping industry and ever since, they have not been able to keep up with the demand for work.”
Peppa Penny Baby and Kids Boutique, Mango Hill
Twin sisters Ashlea Soto and Lauren Rune have opened a baby boutique where parents can shop while their children play.
Inspired by fellow entrepreneurs, twins and 2013 Block winners Alisa and Lysandra Fraser started showcasing baby boutique products at the Eumindi Markets as 19-year-olds.
For many years they did markets together, then on a trip to New York in 2017 decided to take the leap and open a store.
North Lakes Peppa Penny baby and kids boutique stock over 100 of the best baby and kids brands, stocking everything from: comforters, baby mats, pram liners. dummies and a wide range of clothing.
The sisters said their products were for parents looking for unique and beautiful gifts.
“We live in North Lakes ourselves, this is our community and we have so many amazing loyal customers here that we couldn’t move anywhere else,” Ms Soto said.
“Our inspirations are Alisa and Lysandra who appeared on The Block and now have their own brand Al.ive, which we stock now too,” Ms Soto said.
Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co, Scarborough
The new microbrewery, restaurant and bar with views across the water and out to the Glasshouse Mountains opened in April, trading Wednesdays-Sundays.
Husband and wife team Guy and Sonia Schweitzer worked for three years to bring their dream alive.
The new microbrewery is set up in the renovated Waters Edge, a two-storey building, at Bird O’Passage Pde, which previously doubled as a seafood manufacturing business and function centre.
Mr Schweitzer said the business is now brewing its own craft beers onsite and have 10 of their beers on tap with lots more on the way.
“Our beers have been received really well and the venue which has a fully equipped kitchen, servicing upstairs and downstairs,” Mr Schweitzer said.
Seema With Love
Seema With Love opened its doors at 7/1751 Anzac Ave, North Lakes Junction on November 5 after relocating across town from Chermside.
The store, run by Seema Sajnendra, husband Chris and daughter Hannah, provides a skin care and designer fashion range.
Their products include handmade and hand-poured soy wax candles, Australian dried floral arrangements and wallflowers, vegan skincare products and dresses.
Mrs Sajnendra said the shop aimed to bring together their Christian love and values with their service and homemade products.
The Ideas Dept
For almost 20 years, Kirsten Sealey has worked with businesses and not-for-profit organisations, helping them to develop creative, strategic and effective marketing campaigns.
After moving to Moreton Bay in January, she was excited to branch out with her own business in a new community to help local businesses grow and thrive.
The Ideas Dept. is a website design company serving businesses in Moreton Bay, renovating businesses websites and assisting with copywriting and SEOs.
Ms Sealey launched The Ideas Dept. in October.
“I get a real kick out of seeing great results for the businesses I work with and to help them with the knowledge and skills I’ve gained over the years,” Ms Sealey said.
“While I focus on helping local businesses to build a new website, upgrade or renovate their websites, and ensure their website is working hard for them in the search engines through search engine optimisation (SEO), my real joy is in leaning on my years of strategic marketing planning, to take a much broader look at the business and discuss creative ideas about how they can be communicating with their existing and potential customers or clients.
“I find that taking that big picture view helps me build or renovate a website that truly reflects the business and the way it communicates with its customers.”
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