New Gold Coast eatery finds common ground with customers to avoid parking problem

A new cafe on the southern Gold Coast has found a solution to parking dramas that have driven other operators from its high-profile site.

A NEW southern Gold Coast eatery has opened but to avoid repeating the poisoned chalice history of the site customers are advised to keep their visit short and sweet.

Common Ground occupies a Hibiscus Haven address formerly home to popular brunch spot Burleigh Social, which mysteriously closed in 2019 amid a feud with council over parking.

Since the Burleigh Social exit, the venue has had solely on-street parking nearby with strict one-hour limits.

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Common Ground barista Dominique Cook with patrons Allie Hunter and Melanie Bean. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

After Burleigh Social, cafe Burleigh Co-op tried to fill the void for six months before a takeover attempt by Palm Beach and Coolangatta cafe Espresso Moto which was even shorter lived.

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Now Common Ground owners Euan Lovell and Matt Tranter, who are specialising in rustic breakfast treats, say they aim to stay on good terms with the city council and the parking situation.

Mr Louvell, who also owns Fig and Frankie’s in Broadbeach, encouraged customers to dine for one hour only to avoid any issues.

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“So far there hasn’t been any issues and only good feedback by customers” Mr Lovell said. “Council have made a few adjustments, like one-hour on-street parking to accommodate more people, which has been great.”

Since opening on July 15, they’ve served about 100 customers on weekdays and 300 on weekends, with seating for about 50 people. Burleigh Social opened in 2014 and fast became a hit with locals, so much so the cafe became involved in a dispute with council over spillover parking issues and requirements for on-site spaces. After that, on-street only parking remained.

New cafe Common Ground has opened in Burleigh. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

A council spokeswoman said due to demand, one hour parking on the western side of Hibiscus Haven was strictly monitored.

From 7am daily, the cafe offers an all-day brunch including avo and ricotta on sourdough, hash benny and a cabinet full of baked sweets.

They also sell The Bread Social artisan loaves, homemade condiments and truffle honey.