Hardi Ellaz and son Declan Ellaz buy Burleigh Cafe Pretty Handsome
A Gold Coast cafe forced to close its doors after an almost two-year battle with council has reopened a month later under new owners.
Gold Coast
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A Gold Coast cafe forced to close its doors after an almost two-year battle with council has reopened a month later under new owners.
Burleigh’s Pretty Handsome — lauded as the best cafe on the Gold Coast by an industry insider — shut on December 16 after being unable to finish a costly council Development Application.
While neighbours, including hospitality king Scott Imlach, offered their own carparks to combat a shortage in the area, the small business did not have the funds to continue the fight.
Now, Hardi Ellaz (previously behind The Oak Cafe in Mudgeeraba and Street Food Cartel) and his son Declan Ellaz have revived the local institution.
Mr Ellaz said they reopened the cafe for takeaway coffee and cabinet food on January 17.
She said they were blown away by the support from the community and assured regulars they were keeping the Pretty Handsome “legacy alive”.
Mr Ellaz said they were adhering to the current council zoning by only serving out of unit one, which was licensed for food and drink.
He said they didn’t have plans to open unit two, which prior Pretty Handsome owner Cleo Watterson had hoped to do with the Development Application.
“We looked into getting the zoning changed for unit two but it just isn’t feasible,” Mr Ellaz said.
“But we have an exciting new business coming into there under the Pretty Handsome banner.
“This business will complement the cafe but still operate within the parameters of the light industry zoning.”
Mr Ellaz said they had finished some renovations, adding a small courtyard seating area covered by umbrellas.
“The good news is that we are renovating unit one,” he said.
“The second phase is the renovation of three seating areas, which are within the unit one space to adhere to the zoning requirements.”
The reborn business has received a warm welcome from locals, including lots of love for its signature Philly cheese steak sandwich.
“OMG, the Gold Coast needed this. Love the new vibes guys,” Mike Flynn said on Instagram.
When Pretty Handsome closed in December, neighbouring operator Mr Imlach from Precinct Brewery said it was sad to lose “the heart of the village community”.
“I feel absolutely devastated for them,” he said.
“They’ve done everything on a shoestring budget and created one of the best no-frills cafes on the Gold Coast.”
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