Iconic Cav’s Steakhouse to close to make way for 13-storey tower in Labrador on Gold Coast

The iconic Cav’s Steakhouse will close its doors within weeks to make way for a new tower. READ WHEN THE FINAL STEAK WILL BE SERVED HERE

THE iconic Cav’s Steakhouse in Labrador will close its doors within weeks to make way for a new tower.

The eatery, one of the Gold Coast’s best-known restaurants, will serve its final steaks on Saturday, October 3, before its hacienda-style building is demolished.

Long-time owner Richard Cavill said the restaurant’s closure after four decades was the “end of an era” and revealed plans were in the works for both a revived Cav’s in the new tower.

“It’s been a remarkable, and exciting 36-year ride with many highs and lows throughout,” Mr Cavill said.

“The steakhouse has a new location which we are carefully keeping under wraps for the time being,” he said.

THE iconic Cav’s Steakhouse will close its doors within weeks to make way for a new tower. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“We are looking forward to operating from the new venue and are delighted to be bringing some of our current staff along with some exciting new additions.

“We need to create something special for these challenging new times that we live in at the moment.

“As has always been the plan, we still intend to do the Cav’s Emporium within the commercial centre of the new building once the development is completed.”

The door to the emporium will also become the home of the fibreglass cows which currently sit outside the restaurant.

Artist's impression of the Arleen Residences tower planned for the Cav's Steakhouse site at Labrador.

Cav’s will be replaced by Arleen Residences, a 13-storey tower with 79 units.

An out-of-town developer bought into the project in February with the hopes of beginning construction mid-year, but the development was delayed because of the COVID-19 downturn.

Cav’s was originally the Beef Baron Restaurant before the Cavill family bought it in 1984 and redeveloped it to create the famous eatery.

Among the celebrities who dined there over the years were Liberace, Phyllis Diller, Robert Goulet, Andy Williams and Stuart Wagstaff.

Mr Cavill said he had fond memories of some of the Gold Coast’s best-known figures dining at the restaurant as well as the many customers.

THE iconic Cav’s Steakhouse will close its doors within weeks to make way for a new tower. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I remember Alan Bond, Christopher Skase, as well as the many entrepreneurs, celebrities, and actors who have enjoyed dining at Cav’s,” he said.

“Most came in, hoping to remain unnoticed, and we respected that. Generally, they were all extremely nice people.

“The long lunches were always entertaining and the laughter that represented those halcyon days was infectious.

“I also have a deep fondness for our customers who have supported us wonderfully over this long period and with so many having become good friends.

“We have been privileged to witness kids that once arrived in prams, now all grown up themselves and coming in with their own kids.

“It’s a heartwarming thought that extended families have continued to visit us over so many years.”

The proposal to redevelop the site was first revealed in January 2016.