Surfers Paradise restaurant Coco Loco nearing opening after recommencing construction

Development of Surfers Paradise’s newest watering-hole is just weeks out from completion, with the team behind it confirming fit out works at the venue was “tracking along nicely” ahead of its opening

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DEVELOPMENT of Surfers Paradise’s newest watering hole is weeks from completion, with the team behind it confirming fit out works at the venue are “tracking along nicely” ahead of next month’s opening.

Craig Duffy, the owner of strip club Hollywood Showgirls and Tipsy Pig bar underneath it said works on Coco Loco bar were “tracking along nicely” after resuming eight weeks ago.

His son Kalvin will operate the new venue.

“(The fit out) recommenced eight weeks ago and is scheduled to open August 27,” Mr Duffy said via text message.

Craig Duffy and his son Kalvin Duffy in the new Tipsy Pig bar in Surfers Paradise. Photo: Tertius Pickard.

While details surrounding its launch for now remain a secret, the tight-lipped Mr Duffy confirmed a food and drinks menu was yet to be decided on: “We are still contemplating a menu,” he said.

Social media pre-promotion of the Surfers Paradise bar on nightclub strip Orchid Avenue shows wood and brick interior with references to lounge bar and jungle themes.

A plan by Mr Duffy - an ex-pro pool and snooker player - to open an underground snooker hall dubbed “Duffy’s Pool Bar” have been shelved after running into council red tape.

“The council approval has been delayed pending litigation with the body corp,” Mr Duffy said before adding that he “fully expects to win. Plus damages.”: “Duffy’s Pool Bar will be open 2022 we envisage, with the world’s best championship pool tables and playing atmosphere.”

JULY 10: ‘It’s crazy’: Coast restaurant fully booked for weeks after reopening

A popular Broadbeach restaurant that expanded to the suburbs under new ownership says it is booked out for two weeks.

Mecca Bah Hope Island opened its new doors on July 2, the minute the three-day Queensland lockdown lifted for the Gold Coast.

Mecca Bah head of marketing and events Anna Brobjer said opening night was a chance to “test the kitchen” without bookings.

“It blew up within a minute,” she said.

“I woke up on Saturday morning and had over 200 Instagram messages of people asking for a table.

“It’s been crazy. We are fully booked for the next two weeks.”

The ownership for Mecca Bah Broadbeach changed hands in May this year after previous disputes with staff.

Mecca Bah, Broadbeach. Picture: Jerad Williams

Ms Brobjer said she left the company for eight months and came once new Gold Coast-based owners Jack Chaglasian and Mark Geraghty took over.

“The old owners were based in Sydney,” she said.

“Jack and Mark have worked with the company for four or five years. They are very hands on and know all the staff.

She said the Mecca Bah brand was taking the opportunity to dig deep into the Hope Island community and create a family-based atmosphere

“We are shifting the focus on to running a family venue and quality over quantity.”

In late 2018, Mecca Bah owner Garry Simonian was found to have unfairly dismissed employee and restaurant manager Hana Boudna on the grounds she was “spreading false rumours”.

Mecca Bah at Broadbeach.

The circumstances around Ms Boudna’s Fair Work win of $18,000 were almost the same as employee Hasmilk Kozmanyan, who was owed $12,000 for unfair dismissal four months earlier.

At the time of the Boudna decision, Mr Simonian said he did not agree with the outcome of the case.

Ms Brobjer said an official grand opening was planned for the new Mecca Bah in two to four weeks. It would include pizza and cocktail-making classes.

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