First Look inside Gold Coast restaurateur’s new rustic venue

A new Gold Coast venue is turning heads as word grows over the quirky restaurant. SEE THE PHOTOS

Fellini restaurant owner Carlo Percuoco has started a new venture The Barn, on a rustic Mudgeeraba wedding venue site he runs. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

A GOLD Coast restaurateur who had to shut his popular Marina Mirage eatery during the coronavirus pandemic is starting a “quirky” new rustic venue targeting Queenslanders and local families.

Fellini restaurant owner Carlo Percuoco has started a new venture The Barn, on a rustic Mudgeeraba wedding venue site he runs. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Fellini Italian restaurant owner Carlo Percuoco is launching a locals-focused concept called The Barn at his long-running wedding and corporate function venue EcoStudio Fellini at Mudgeeraba.

A cosy fireplace inside The Barn. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The new venue is targeted at families. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

GOLD COAST’S MOST SHOCKING RESTAURANT CLOSURES

The EcoStudio farm already boasts animal enclosures for interaction, lodges and gardens, while The Barn will cater for 35 patrons inside and a further 35 to 40 on a deck and beer garden outside.

The outdise dining area at new venue The Barn. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Mr Percuoco said the EcoStudio had a proud 15-year history hosting weddings and social occasions but now was time to add something extra.

The Barn would offer a mix of Italian and Japanese fare “with a few little quirky things on there too”.

The Barn will offer a mix of Italian and Japanese fare. Picture Glenn Hampson.

POPULAR JAPANESE EATERIES COLLAPSE OWING $500K

“At the moment we can only target Queenslanders and the lodges have been going really well. We’re giving it a nudge and doing a bit extra to it. Hopefully it’s COVID proof.

“It’s a pretty cool spot, we have lots of antiques, old farm equipment.”

Chickens at new venture The Barn, on a rustic Mudgeeraba wedding venue site. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

WHY OUR RESTAURANTS ARE SHUTTING THEIR DOORS

The Barn will initially open – after a soft Sunday session launch this weekend for invited guests – for Saturday and Sunday breakfasts plus lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday.

“We’ll start with that and see how it goes.”

Lambs at new venture The Barn. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Asked about the outlook for Fellini, Mr Percuoco said the Main Beach restaurant – a hotspot since 1993 which has been closed during the pandemic – had a customer base of 70 per cent tourists.

“I’d have to have rocks in my head to reopen that now.”