Justin Lane co-owner Ayman Muhor from The Hamilton Group buys Paddock Bakery

The Gold Coast’s most famous cafe-bakery has been sold, with the new owners revealing their plans for the Burleigh institution.

The Gold Coast’s most famous cafe-bakery has been sold, with the new owners revealing their plans for the Burleigh institution.

Ayman and Jenna Muhor – who own and operate pizzeria Justin Lane – have acquired Paddock Bakery under their Hamilton Group portfolio.

Known for its dippy eggs and doughnuts, the Hibiscus Haven hot spot has had the tick of approval from celebrities like Hugh Jackman and set the scene for a public tête-à-tête between Elon Musk and Amber Heard.

Amber Heard and Elon Musk at the Paddock Bakery on the Gold Coast July 23, 2017.

Mr Muhor said he recognised Paddock Bakery was an “iconic” Gold Coast location.

“Naturally when the former owners decided it was time to sell we had to make an offer,” he said.

“Burleigh has been so good to us and we are honoured to be able to take care of another of its icons.”

Mr Muhor said locals did not need to fret about changes to the beloved bakery’s line-up.

“There are no plans to change anything,” he said.

Hugh Jackman holidaying on the Gold Coast, enjoying the food at Paddock Bakery.

“It will most definitely remain the Paddock Bakery that Gold Coasters know and love.

“I am a firm believer in finding amazing people and supporting them to achieve their best and the Paddock team are most definitely amazing people and what they have built here is something truly special.”

Paddock Bakery was a gamechanger for the city’s cafe scene when it debuted in February 2014.

It was the brain child of Ursula and Ben Watts, who went on to open Bam Bam Bakehouse, Custard Canteen and Cubby Bakehouse.

In 2017, it was bought by Mr Watts’ sister Chloe Watts and her parents Kerry and Larry, before she founded Tarte at Burleigh.

Maya and Dion Sholz took over Paddock in 2019, riding out the impact of Covid-19.

Mr Muhor said he remembered eating at Paddock Bakery when he used to visit from Geelong.

“Paddock was one of the first establishments I visited when I first travelled to the Gold Coast and it has been a go-to breakfast venue for me every since,” he said.

“Having been very fortunate to acquire another Gold Coast dining icon (Justin Lane) back in 2018 and subsequently moving to the Gold Coast the year after, I have fallen in love with the Gold Coast lifestyle and the incredible hospitality scene here.”

Miami suburb profile – Paddock Bakery. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mr Muhor said he was amazed to see how Burleigh Heads had evolved over the past five years.

“In the last few years we have seen first-hand how fast Burleigh is growing and there is always an incredible range of new venues to visit but there is nothing quite as special to me as the foundational venues like Justin Lane and the Paddock Bakery that were so instrumental in the Gold Coast dining scene,” he said.

Mr Muhor said he was excited to see where the new adventure would take them.

“Who’s to say what the future will bring but we look forward to facing it with the team and of course with easy access to the best iced lattes on the Coast and no shortage of delicious sweets,” he said.

Doughnuts at Paddock Bakery, Burleigh.

In August, Mr Muhor denied claims his former business Rubi Red Kitchen and Bar had been under-resourced.

Rubi Red Kitchen and Bar chef Michael Lambie claimed Mr Muhor controlled staffing and had run it with over 70 per cent wage costs.

“How could any business be under staffed at those rates, or make a profit,” Mr Muhor said at the time.

“Unfortunately in business sometimes partnerships do not work and this was one of those times.

“We wish Chef Michael all the best in his next business ventures while we will continue to focus on the success of Justin Lane.”

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