Sydney restaurateur Hurricanes gets top honour from Fergie, Duchess of York

The owner of iconic Sydney restaurant chain Hurricane’s opens up about meeting Fergie and reveals plans for more Hurricanes expansions.

Laura and Craig Goldberg, at their Hurrican’e Grill restaurant in Pyrmont. Picture: Jane Dempster

A Sydney restaurateur has received a top honour from the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.

Hurricane’s Laura Goldberg has taken out the award recognising Women in Food and Beverages industry at the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards in London.

Goldberg was also nominated as a finalist in the Leader of the Year and People’s Choice for Business in the awards that are championed by the Duchess of York and author and speaker Dr Tererai Trent.

Along with her husband Craig, Goldberg runs Sydney’s famous steak-and ribs Hurricane’s Grill. The pair have opened up locations in Pyrmont, Brighton-Le-Sands, Circular Quay and their new store in Castle Hill.

Hurricanes boss Laura Goldberg with The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. Picture: Supplied.

Goldberg was recognised for the work she does in changing the way young people, especially women, view the hospitality industry and “remove the stigma attached to working in cafe’s and restaurants. She mentors young women new to hospitality and continues to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention.

“I was really surprised when my name was called out but I was also very proud. It’s not about the winning but really about being a finalist and the recognition that comes with that. I also had a million things I wanted to say but I forgot most when I got on stage,” said Goldberg of the honour.

“I am so thrilled that I can represent Women in the Food and Beverage both locally and now internationally.”

On meeting The Duchess of York, Goldberg described her as a “wonderful person.”

“She is so giving with her time and is so passionate about helping women thrive and succeed. She is also very fun and engaging,” she said.

The restaurant is famous for it’s ribs.

Born in Bondi in 1995 by Craig Goldberg and Tony Teixeira, Hurricane’s combined Teixeira’s Portuguese heritage with Goldberg’s South African heritage. However Teixeira and Goldberg went their separate ways over 10 years ago, with Teixeira taking control of Bondi (under the name Hurricane’s Grill and Bar) and the Goldberg’s taking the CBD location.

As well as continuing to advocate for female entrepreneurs, Goldberg said her focus on continuing the expansion of Hurricanes into new territories, including plans to open venues in Melbourne and Adelaide.

“Our international expansion is also front and centre with new locations in China, South East Asia and the Middle East on the horizon,” she said.

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