Transformed The Spirited Goat expands to The Strand with second restaurant

A popular Townsville cafe has transformed into a restaurant and launched an ambitious expansion with a second venue opening soon on The Strand. See what it’s offering.

The Spirited Goat manager Rose Alcock (middle) with Knight Frank agents Paul Dury and Mark Fitzgerald at the new strand location. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Big changes are afoot for the popular Townsville cafe The Spirited Goat, which is expanding into a second location on The Strand, with grand plans to operate as restaurants serving dinner at both locations.

Founded in 2013 by Brisbane couple Harry and Mel Crawford at Otto’s Market Precinct, Idalia, The Spirited Goat has grown dramatically over the years, expanding its size, range, and trading hours.

Otto’s Fresh Food Market owner and The Spirited Goat partner Don Peel revealed that the business had signed a five-year lease (with two five-year options) on a prominent waterfront retail space on the ground floor at 62 The Strand – formerly held by California Tacos.

Excited about the new hospitality project, which will provide another airconditioned sanctuary for The Strand during Townsville’s hotter months, Mr Peel said they had spent around $1m on a complete refit, transforming the space to give it a “modern, art-deco, boho vibe”.

The Spirited Goat manager Rose Alcock at the new strand location. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“(It has a) funky and bohemian style, with cushions, soft, muted colours and light funky stuff, but it’s also got an art deco brass and a fluted glass theme that runs through it,” Mr Peel said. “We think it’s pretty nice and people will really resonate with it.

“We’re hoping to create a beautiful beach platform for our talented chefs, baristas and team to expand upon the wonderful creations they serve up at Idalia.”

A staged rollout was planned for the new Strand business, opening for breakfast and lunch from May 7, with dinner to be served at both locations from May 28.

“The food that we do over at The Precinct Goat will come across, we’re going to have some great special offerings and more seafood orientated offerings down the beach, which we will reflect back over at Fairfield,” Mr Peel said.

The Spirited Goat manager Rose Alcock (middle) with Knight Frank agents Paul Dury and Mark Fitzgerald at the new strand location. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“It’s actually an extraordinary evening venue because of the light design.”

Chef-restaurateur Damien Tosh has been working to upskill staff, develop an “extremely exclusive wine list”, and locally source a variety of meat, seafood, and fresh produce.

Mel Crawford and Don Peel outside The Spirited Goat Cafe and Bar at Otto's Market Precinct in Idalia.

Mr Peel was able to secure The Strand property thanks to an off-market deal negotiated by Knight Frank agents Paul Dury and Mark Fitzgerald on behalf of the landlord, Black Snow Investments Pty Ltd.

Mr Dury said its prime prominent position was the 217 sqm commercial space’s biggest drawcard, with The Spirited Goat securing the last remaining retail vacancy along The Strand.

“Quality food retailers are still looking for strategic locations with high foot traffic. Retail tenancies on the Strand are very rare, so when they become available, they attract good interest and can demand high rents,” Mr Dury said.

For more information, visit: thespiritedgoat.com.au

Originally published as Transformed The Spirited Goat expands to The Strand with second restaurant