Gold Coast food: Daniel Ridgeway to open new Pac Fair restaurant
A leading Gold Coast chef has big plans despite some recent disappointments. READ THE FULL DETAILS
Andrew Meadowcroft
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FOLLOWING the recent news that two Ridgeway Group venues shut up shop, the hospitality powerhouse is set to open a new venue. ‘What a Catch’ will open late November at Pacific Fair.
“Gotham Bar & Grill had a capacity of 200 guests pre-COVID but opening for only 50 guests due to restrictions was just not financially viable,” said chef and owner Daniel Ridgeway.
“The Rivea lease at Broadbeach was also up for renewal, so we had to make a tough call not to renew. We wanted to protect as many staff as possible and made the hard decision to close both venues.”
Cav’s Steakhouse has taken over the former Gotham venue at Runaway Bay and Maggie Choo has opened on the former Rivea site in Broadbeach.
“COVID has affected us all, everyone, every business, every industry. Our tough decisions have kept over 50 staff employed at the Ridgeway Group,” Daniel said.
GOLD COAST’S BIGGEST RESTAURANT TRANSFORMATIONS
Daniel has established a reputation as one of the Gold Coast’s most respected and awarded chefs since opening his first venue ten years ago, Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar. The hospitality group also operates BiN72 Coolangatta and BiN232 at Pacific Fair.
“This inspiration for ‘What a Catch’ actually stems from my childhood,” he said. “Mum and Dad owned a fish and chip shop and I still remember being in trouble for stealing the hot chips and pickled onions!”
‘What a Catch’ will feature a selection of fresh raw seafood, a signature Ridgeway fish burger, prawn and bug milk buns, fresh fish anyway you like, house made sauces and of course pickled onions.
“The fish and chip shop just stepped up a notch. Nothing frozen here. Takeaway or dine-in with table service,” said Daniel.
“We cannot wait to open at Pacific Fair. You can have a beer with your meal, or a cocktail too!”
SPECIAL REPORT: COAST RESTAURANTS AND CAFES SIX MONTHS ON FROM COVID CLOSURE
When the Prime Minister announced that businesses had to close on the evening of 22nd March 2020, the impact was devasting for the hospitality industry.
“I didn’t even comprehend the impact of all my businesses closing for many days. It was devastating,” Daniel said.
“Our employees are part of our family. Once Jobkeeper rolled out, it did help us keep some staff, however our international staff had next to no assistance from the Government.
“Some of our staff had babies on the way and suddenly their income went to little, then nothing. Our staff organised care packages for not just their workmates, but their friends.
“I have a wife, child and another on the way. We are all being challenged, but I can only make the best business decisions possible to protect my family and my staff.
“All of us are in a tough spot, so all l can do is try to support as many people as l can during these tough times.
SURFERS PARADISE STREET THAT’S GONE FROM GLAMOUR TO GHOST TOWN
“This time has brought many aspects of our businesses and lives ‘back to the basics’ and I honestly believe you saw people’s true colours during these difficult times.
“It has been tough receiving disappointment from our loyal customers. These decisions are never taken lightly. Anyone that owns a business understands the stress that surrounds making the decision to close a business that you have created.
“Business requires tough decisions sometimes, but we know that we have the support of our local customers, supporters, and the hospitality industry, we are all doing it tough.
“Now that we have removed the aspects of our businesses that were weighing us down, we are focusing on creating new opportunities to grow and employ more staff.
“Although this has certainly been a difficult time for us and so many, we truly believe that the future is bright!”
‘What a Catch’ is located at The Patio, Pacific Fair, and will be the first Ridgeway Group venue to open since COVID hit.
It is slated to open late November and the hospitality group plans to announce another new venue next year.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: INFOMAPS 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
A gaggle of tourism types were pleased as punch for an outing on the water after an incredibly challenging year.
Infomaps hosted a soiree on YOT Club to celebrate their 20th year producing tourism maps and publications.
Guests were treated with a cocktail on arrival, a delicious table buffet, live music and spectacular sunset views. Guests spotted at the luxury soirée included Mayor Tom Tate, John-Paul Langbroek MP, Councillor Darren Taylor and Triple M’s Bridge & Spida.
SQUIRREL UNFILTERED
Now if you are going to take over a rooftop on a high rise and bash out drums for hours on end, you are certain to attract attention.
A band on a Surfers Paradise rooftop belted out some hardcore tunes this week and caused quite a rukus. With drones in the sky filming, the Squirrel spotted some long locks and recognised a few tunes…. we are certain it was Wolfmother.
Were they filming a new music clip, a promo for their appearance for today’s AFL grand finale or perhaps has Destination Gold Coast secured them for a tourism ad?
Time will tell but let us just say some residents loved the music, others did not.
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