‘The sky is not falling’: Expert’s response to 50 closed venues

DESPITE more than 50 venues closing in approximately four months, an industry expert says “the sky is not falling”. See the full list of closures here.

Celebrity Chef George Calombaris couldn’t keep his Robina restaurant Jimmy Grants afloat. Pics Adam Head.

DESPITE more than 50 eateries on the Gold Coast closing in about four months, a restaurant expert says “the sky is not falling”.

Sally Neville, deputy CEO of Restaurants and Catering Industry Association of Australia, said while the closures were creating a buzz, there have been more openings.

“There have been closures, but there are always closures,” she said.

“I guess the thing to remember is that across Queensland there are 400 more restaurants this year than last year, so even though there are closures, the openings are outstripping the closures.

Chef Jon Hizola and Scott Imlach identified a gap in the Burleigh market for Cantonese food with Mr Hizola’s. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It’s awful to see a restaurant close because we have such a strong connection to our hospitality and it creates discussion.

“Small businesses have a high churn rate so actually the rate of closures is no worse than any small business.”

TINY BURLEIGH CAFE THAT USED TO BE AN ATM

Ms Neville said now more than ever hopeful venue owners needed to carefully consider their business model, and existing venue owners must not rest on their laurels.

“For anyone considering opening, please ensure you do your due diligence,” she said.

“Have a look at the area, what you’re offering that’s different to what exists in the precinct. “We have a lot of restaurants in Australia but if you’re offering something that has a point of difference you have a chance of success.

When Elk Espresso was forced from its old location, it adjusted by opening bigger and better. Picture Mike Batterham

“If you’re producing a style and experience that’s already provided you’ve got a big challenge ahead.

“Existing restaurants absolutely need to keep innovating.

“They need to remind returning customers and new customers that they are special and different and great and re-market themselves to customers all the time.”

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FOR $3 A WEEK

The restaurants that have closed on the Gold Coast range from eateries open for a matter of months to established restaurants that have been here for decades.

They range from chains and franchises to bespoke dining from Sanctuary Cove to Coolangatta.

The closed restaurants cover a range of cuisines, burgers, vegan, dessert, cocktails, steak, bars and health food.

Former owner of Onyx, Lauren Hyland, on deserted Broadbeach strip on Sunday morning, once a thriving breakfast venue. Picture Glenn Hampson

For anyone considering opening an eatery, Ms Neville said there was no clear pattern of what was not working but “it’s tough at the top”.

“High end is tough because it’s a smaller market therefore you’ve really got to be on your game and be careful with the expense model to ensure sustainability long term,” she said.

“For businesses at mid-range it’s still a competitive market because there are so many.

“The best thing any restaurant or cafe can do is have a strong connection with the customer and continuing to that grow customer base.

“Customer service and growing your market are the keys to success.”

NEVER MISS A MINUTE WITH THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN APP

RECENT CLOSURES

BROADBEACH

JaMm Dining and Bar

Onyx Tapas and Cocktail Bar

Toots

Sushi Moto

1Two3 Meditteranean Dining and Lounge Bar

Axis Restaurant and Bar

Old Tom at Broadbeach pulled out all the stops, but still went under.

Old Tom

Burger Trip

Hello Harry Burger Bar

RED Steakhouse

Max Brenner

Bootleg Juice Bar

Hogs Breath Cafe

Sato Japanese

Dragonfly Espresso and Wine Bar

Despite a stunning fit-out, Dragonfly Espresso and Wine Bar went under in just months. Picture: Jerad Williams

BiN 89

Feed the Earthlings

Grocer and Grind

Torii Restaurant and Bar

Greek Street Grill

Foot traffic didn’t matter for the restaurants at Pacific Fair that were still forced to close.

MERMAID

Mandala & Co.

Jimmy’s Kitchen Take Away

Steele & Co.

Sparrow Eating House

Bangkok Thai

High rent played a part in the demise of hugely popular Sparrow Eating House at Nobby Beach. Breakfast review. Photo: Kit Wise

SURFERS PARADISE

Fiddlers Green Irish Bar

Cocoon Lounge Bar

Real Adana

Tella Balls Dessert Bar

Marco’s on Cavill

Cocoon had one of the best locations on the Coast. Picture: Richard Gosling

Sifu Chinese Restaurant Crowne Plaza

New Saigon Restaurant

Orchid Vegetarian Cafe

SOUTHPORT

SoPo Dining Room

Coffediction

SoPo Dining Room, Southport was a local favourite. Photo: Regi Varghese

Ichi-ban Boshi

Bucking Bull

MAIN BEACH

Providore

Ribs and Rumps

The Coffee Deck

Even chains such as Ribs and Rumps are struggling.

NORTH

Treehouse Cafe (Biggera Waters)

Pickled Cactus Mexican (Biggera Waters)

Masala Island (Hope Island)

Solace Bar and Restaurant (Paradise Point)

Tiffany’s Cafe and Cocktails (Hope Island)

Joe’s Burger Bar (Hope Island)

Manhattan on Hope restaurant, Hope Island.

New York New York (Hope Island)

Manhattan on Hope (Hope Island)

SOUTH

8th Ave Terrace (Palm Beach)

Blue Door on Fifth (Palm Beach)

Serabar (Burleigh Heads)

That Blue House (Coolangatta)

Blue Door on Fifth by Dylan Cashman boasted acclaimed food. Picture: Richard Gosling

INLAND

Jimmy Grant’s (Robina)

Mellow Coffee and Wine Bar (Reedy Creek)