Mudgeeraba’s Woodchoppers BBQ Smoke and Grill owners Samantha Saill and Stephen O’Brien sell the business
The owners of a famed Gold Coast watering hole have sold their 28-year-old business with locals coming in droves to support them before their last day.
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The owners of a famed Gold Coast watering hole have sold their 28-year-old business with locals coming in droves to support them before their last day.
Mudgeeraba’s Woodchoppers BBQ Smoke and Grill owners Samantha Saill and Stephen O’Brien announced they have sold the family business.
“After 28 years of owning Woodchoppers, it’s time to hand the keys over to a new fabulous local family to continue the tradition of great hospitality in Mudgeeraba,” they said in a post on Facebook.
The Woodchoppers Inn which opened in 1995 was originally owned by John O’Brien, Don Murphy and Don’s daughter Victoria Vosloo who handed it over to Stephen in 2010.
“Not many people know this, but the original Woodchoppers Inn building started off as the Palm Beach Bowls Club,” Ms Vosloo told the Gold Coast Bulletin in 2009.
“It was moved to Mudgeeraba in 1974 and thanks to a couple of old characters – Stan Brown and Don Murphy – it has since become a Gold Coast icon.”
Mr Murphy passed away in 2010 following a two-year battle with cancer, but was as much of a local institution as his pub.
“He was the friendly face to everyone and people dubbed him the Mayor of Mudgeeraba but he’d always shrug that off with a smile,’’ Ms Vosloo said.
“His customers became part of his extended family.’’
Locals who frequented the pub said it was sad to see them go but said it was time for them to have a break.
“Sad news for Mudgeeraba and Bonogin, but not entirely surprising,” Keith Young commented on the post.
“You, Sam, Wayne and all the staff have worked hard over the years.”
Another resident said Woodchoppers had been a part of her life over the past two decades.
“So many fond memories to be thankful for,” Susan Baxter said.
“Mudgeeraba Balls, Christmas Days, Melbourne Cups, weddings, birthdays, wakes, live entertainment, lotsa locals, amazing staff over the years, great food & the odd live appearance of a local horse.”
Mr O’Brien said they would be bidding farewell to the pub on January 31.
“So get down and see us over the next couple of weeks, enjoy some great BBQ, Beer and Moonshine,” he said.
“We want to thank all the great locals for their support over these many years that has made our time in Mudgeeraba one to always remember.”
Mr O’Brien confirmed they would be relocating their popular gin distillery, Against The Grain Distillery, but it would be after a “bit of a break”.
In November he said he had perfected the art of distilling after 20 years and it wasn’t until Covid-19 hit that the chance presented itself to open his own venue.
He said drinks such as Hinterland 75, Hinterland Horizon ink styled Gin and sparkling wine was a “stand out with the ladies”.
“For the boys, our Mudgeeraba Bourbonshine was the most popular by a longshot.”
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