Gold Coast’s top hospitality bosses reveal next big projects in effort to boost city’s nightlife reputation
The Gold Coast’s restaurant bosses are hard at work - now we can reveal what’s coming soon from the city’s biggest names in hospitality. SEE THEIR NEXT BIG PROJECTS
Food
Don't miss out on the headlines from Food. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Glitter Strip has long been known for its vibrant nightlife and picturesque beaches, but its booming hospitality scene is quickly redefining its reputation.
With beachfront venues now a regular fixture and new eateries popping up almost weekly, it seems restaurateurs far and wide are eager to capitalise on the city’s potential.
The Bulletin has rounded up some of the city’s biggest names in hospitality to find out what’s in store for them next.
Ronnie Tarabay
He might have just launched new venture Tommy’s Italian at Currumbin beachfront but that doesn’t mean things will slow down for this popular restaurateur.
The owner of former Burleigh favourite Fish House, Ronnie Tarabay is now on the hunt for a new location to re-open the venue after it closed in February last year.
At the time, Mr Tarabay told the Bulletin he was looking for a “bigger and better” spot to relaunch – and it appears he’s keeping his promise.
“I’ve been offered a lot of positions which I’ve been rejecting because I really want the Fish House to have an ocean view and to also be in North Burleigh,” he explained.
Mr Tarabay said the appeal of the suburb’s northern end was its relaxed feel.
If it came down to it Mr Tarabay would look at the possibility of developing a high rise on the esplanade to house the popular restaurant.
“We did consider the Tommy’s Italian space for the Fish House but ultimately decided that Italian would be better,” he said.
Guests to either Tommy’s Italian or the future Fish House will be able to enjoy a private dining experience which includes a helicopter charter return from Brisbane and a set lunch at the venues.
Matt Keegan
His stable already includes some of the city’s most popular venues, but Matt Keegan of Artesian Hospitality remains as determined as ever to expand his portfolio.
The hospitality boss is just weeks out from launching Cali Beach Club - the first venue of its kind for the Glitter Strip.
“The majority of the Artesian team is squarely focused on our recently announced Cali Beach venue, which is opening in two weeks on September 25,” Mr Keegan told the Bulletin.
More than 120 staff including dancers and life guards will be employed to cater for its four pools, two restaurants, multiple bars, VIP cabanas and poolside entertainment.
Gold Coast DJs The Stafford Brothers have also put together a massive line-up of internationally renowned artists to play at Surfers Paradise’s new rooftop beach club.
“However, we do have multiple other projects underway across South East Queensland, some of which we’ll be announcing details on shortly after the Cali launch,” he said.
Though tight-lipped on specifics, Mr Keegan said the public could expect big things.
“As a group we’re currently in an expansion phase, and where opportunities arise for unique venues we’re taking steps to bring them to life as soon as possible,” he explained.
“The next 12-24 month will be very exciting for us and our guests as we expand across Queensland.”
Artesian Hospitality is behind the new Surfers Pavilion along with popular Orchid Ave nightclubs Sin City, The Bedroom and Havana.
Matt Heanen
One of the city’s most successful hospitality groups is looking to make its foray into Brisbane’s Latin-American scene with a new social club.
Hallmark group director Matt Heanen’s extensive stable includes Lost Kingdom, Asylum, Retro’s Cocktail Lounge, Finn McCool’s, The Cavill Hotel and Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria.
“We have a 12-strong portfolio of venues across South East Queensland. We love the Gold Coast and are always looking for new and exciting opportunities as we continue to grow our brand,” he said.
Few details were offered on his latest venture but Mr Heanan confirmed the Fortitude Valley venue would be named Hey Chica! and was set to launch in September.
Warren Lucas, Jon Nurminen
This duo have created quite the name for themselves in recent years thanks to their much-loved contributions to the Coast’s culinary scene.
Mr Nurminen, former head chef at Fish House, teamed up with Warren Lucas to deliver Nobby’s Beach fine dining venue Gods of the Sea.
Mr Lucas told the Bulletin former co-owner Jeff Bennet of Three Blue Ducks fame was no longer part of the operation but that its high standards and quality dishes remained the same.
One thing that may change in coming months could be the venue’s location, which is quickly outgrowing its current home in the popular Mermaid Beach precinct.
“We’re planning to stay here for another 12 month but we are also already in very early discussions for a new site for the restaurant,” Mr Lucas said.
“Whether that happens or not is another thing but we’d ideally like a site by the beach. We started looking originally because word was this building was due to be knocked down.”
Another project in the pipeline could see the pair develop a Scandinavian inspired eatery in coming years.
“We’re keen to do something a bit more causal. We see a little bit of a gap in the market for unique casual dining concepts for the Coast focusing on dining from morning to evening with an emphasis on cafe styles.”
Mr Lucas hopes to open the new venue by 2023 but would not disclose a potential location.
James Tantsis-Hall
His name might not be widely known across the Coast just yet but Jame Tantsis-Hall’s latest venture at Nobbys Beach is sure to put him on the map.
The Melbournite has taken over the former site of Split Upstairs from Stevie Filipovic – who also co-owns Light Years – and Jeff Bennett of Three Blue Ducks fame.
Mr Tantsis-Hall announced on social media the rooftop bar would be called Tropic Vice, offering a sneak peek of its fit-out which features pink flamingoes and Miami vibes.
“I wanted to create a space where people feel like they’re not in Australia, to take them overseas to feel like they’re in a different country,” he said.
“This is reflected in the design of the venue, we’ve got neon signs in one area and a new decking that we’ve just put in that feels like you’re in the Mediterranean.”
The venue is opening from September 30 and its menu will feature Flank steak with chimichurri, grilled prawns, fried eggplant tacos with miso glaze, as well as fish tacos.
It will also host Bottomless Brunch on Sundays and Brazilian Barbeque starting October 8.
“It’s still going to be a fun and vibrant place where people can come and enjoy the space but we are focusing on the quality menu and restaurant aspect,” Mr Tantsis-Hall said.
Ben May
He is known as one-half of the brains behind the Glitter Strip’s most iconic and insta-worthy venues in the Burleigh Pavilion and The Tropic.
But hospo heavyweight Ben May – whose stable also includes Bali’s Mrs Sippy – has for now turned his focus to a more laid-back operation known as Freddy’s Chicken Shop.
Mr May and business partner Rob Domjen this week launched the gourmet sandwich shop at Burleigh Heads, describing it as a reimagined “Aussie milk bar of the 70s.”
It sits just a stone’s throw from the popular surf break at James and Connor Street and is fast-becoming known for their variety of tasty homemade rolls.
“The days of walking barefoot to your corner store after a surf are back, serving chargrilled chickens, homemade rolls, salads, chicken burger, and shakes,” a Freddy’s spokesman said.
Local surfer Pal Surman and Pavilion Executive Chef Guilluame Zika have also come on board as co-owners.
Craig Shearer
The team behind The Collective Palm Beach has firmed up its foothold on Queensland’s hospitality scene with the acquisition of two new venues.
Kickon Group – formerly known as Collective Heads – this week announced it had acquired Osbourne Hotel in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and the Watermark Bar in Townsville, bringing its portfolio to six venues.
He will also launch a revamped Continental Sorrento on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula this summer.
It comes just weeks after Mr Shearer shut down speculation the popular Palm Beach restaurant and bar was set to close after its site sold to a known high-rise developer.
Mr Shearer told the Bulletin earlier this month that there was one “key detail” missing from the rumours, that the sale was exclusive to the building and not the business.
“Us as the business operators haven’t sold anything and we don’t intend to,” Mr Shearer said.
“Rest assured, we’re not going anywhere, and we look forward to continuing to deliver amazing experiences for you in the years to come.”
More Coverage
‘It has to change you’: In conversation with the rock-star chef
Shot at, bombs blasting down the road – Marco Pierre White’s ‘rock-star’ reputation stems from his fearless commitment, including serving troops on the front line.
I can understand why people pay $1000 for this dinner
Marco Pierre White’s White Heat Dinner at HOTA delivered a $1000-a-head, five-course dining experience that left a lasting impression – showcasing the artistry that earned him three Michelin stars.