Nook Espresso boss Marcus Wilkins breaks silence on shock closure, hints at future of Burleigh beachfront cafe
The man behind Nook has broken his silence on the beachfront cafe’s impending closure, telling customers he doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry – but hinted at future plans.
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The boss behind Nook Espresso admits he does not know whether to laugh or cry after learning the cafe he has poured his heart and soul into for 14 years into will shut in June.
Co-owner Marcus Wilkins took to social media to confirm The Bulletin’s exclusive report this week which revealed the beachfront coffee shop would be taken over by a new coffee kiosk operated by Burleigh Pavilion.
“Dunno whether this is me laughing or crying,” he wrote to his 1200-plus Instagram followers alongside a photo of himself inside the Goodwin Terrace venue at Burleigh Hill.
“However after 14 years of making coffees at @nookespresso our new landlord has decided not to renew our lease.
Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May told the Bulletin earlier this week Nook, which has become a beachfront institution for locals and tourists, would close when its lease ends on June 4.
Longtime customers have since claimed the Burleigh area they once knew – famous for its laid-back vibe and once largely untouched by developers - is “dead.”
Others say they will fight to help save Nook: “We need to rally the troops and save our local,” Tanya Ferguson said online.
Speculation is rife the popular hole-in-the-wall could relocate – something Mr Wilkins himself has since hinted at.
“In my time at Nook I have met some amazing humans, seen some crazy stuff, had the most incredible staff and watched families grow,” he said.
“I would love to thank everyone who has supported us and enjoyed our coffees, my s*** tips and dad jokes.
“Please keep an eye out soon for where you might see my head pop up and make a coffee for you soon.”
Burleigh Pavilion to launch coffee spot as beloved cafe closes
July 5: Longtime customers of Nook at Burleigh Hill are “gutted” the popular cafe will close because its lease is not being renewed.
The Bulletin reported on Monday that the Burleigh Pavilion will launch its own coffee kiosk at the site, ending Nook’s 14-year run.
Robina resident Paul Collins said he had visited Nook five days a week to enjoy his cappuccino “since the beginning”.
“They’ve always got the same type of barista,” he said.
“The owner employs people who are very experienced. They make coffee exactly the same every time no matter who it is.
“It’s disastrous for us, I don’t know where we’re going to go now. We might just have to go into Mudgeeraba, but it’s inconvenient.
“It’s nice to park here and pop in for a coffee and sit on one of the benches in the shade.”
Burleigh Pavilion will launch its own coffee and kiosk at the site after Nook’s lease comes to an end on June 4, according to owner Ben May.
Kelly Stringer stops by Nook everyday during her morning run: “I’m really, really gutted.”
“It’s sad for smaller businesses, it’s disappointing to see the little guys go.”
Much like Mr Collins and Ms Stringer, fellow customer Danielle McDougall is on a first-name basis with staff who know their orders by heart.
“I’ve been living at Miami for 10 years and I’ve come here nearly every single day, even during Covid. It’s my favourite place to get coffee in the whole of Gold Coast,” she said.
“It’s an awesome place and location but it’s also got the best coffee.”
Nook cafe operates a second site at Stocklands Shopping Centre, Burleigh Waters, though it is unclear if they will relocate their beachfront site.
Staff did not respond when contacted by the Bulletin.
Gone: Shock reason behind popular coffee shop’s closure
April 5: One of the Gold Coast’s most popular coffee shops will lose its prime beachfront location at Burleigh Hill.
Hole-in-the-wall Nook will not be given a lease extension beyond its June 4 end date, bringing to an end about 14 years in business.
Restaurateur Ben May, owner of Burleigh Pavillion and nearby Freddy’s Chicken Shop, is set to take over the Goodwin Terrace location and operate a new coffee and kiosk shop.
Mr May confirmed the news to the Bulletin but declined to comment further.
The closure has sent shockwaves through Burleigh’s coffee fans, with Nook proving a long standing favourite since launching at the site in 2008.
READ: Plans for Burleigh Pavilion renovations in the works
The team briefly relocated its operation to a nearby shipping container on Burleigh Hill in 2018 as renovations to Burleigh Pavilion took place.
“It’s a huge shock, it’s a very popular coffee shop,” a source close to the shop told the Bulletin.
“Business is a tough environment these days.”
Its closure has sparked concerns popular waterfront dining spot Rick Shores may suffer a similar fate, however, The Bulletin understands several years remain on its current lease.
The expansion for an offshoot takeaway kiosk within the booming Pavilion site comes as plans for its ground-level pool move forward.
A relaunch of the site’s indoor pool hit a snag last November after its development application required some amendments after it was reviewed by council.
Initial plans outlined a 25m salt water pool with steam, sauna and cold baths but have since been amended to show a mix of rehab pools, as well as a cold and hot pool, and a pilates, fitness and cafe area nearby.
A final decision on the development application is due to be made April 28, according to Gold Coast City Council.
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