‘Super busy’: Gold Coast’s Main Beach and Tedder Ave shopping strip thriving

Main Beach and its Tedder Ave hub have been powering in a revival reminiscent of the suburb’s 90s glory days, say long-time business owners.

MAIN Beach and its Tedder Ave hub have been powering in a revival reminiscent of the suburb’s 1990s glory days, say long-time business owners.

The shopping strip was bustling when the Bulletin stopped by this week as shoppers ran ­errands and diners crowded into venues for a bite to eat, coffee and drinks.

Diners filling up Hot Shott on Tedder Ave at Main Beach. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Most parking spots had been snapped up by 1.30pm and side streets were filling up.

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While not all shops and eateries were enjoying a roaring lunchtime trade, some were packed to the rafters and those which weren’t drew at least a decent crowd.

Real estate agents to restaurateurs sung the praises of the suburb, which they believe will only continue to boom amid a string of new developments.

Keys Real Estate director Adam Keys, who has worked in the area for two decades, said the resurgence of Tedder Ave and Main Beach was evident in its tight property market.

Pedestrians pound the pavement at Tedder Ave on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The suburb continues to ­attract strong interest among older Gold Coasters.

But younger families have played a part and buyers fleeing southern states now make up about 50 per cent of buyers, Mr Keys said.

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“It’s super busy, the place is packed and there’s people everywhere,” he said.

“Everyone is doing good trade, all the cafes are full and everyone is really busy.

“People are coming back to the area. It’s got more of a village feel, where you find Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Burleigh, they’re more transient, more of a thoroughfare.”

Mr Keys said new developments would add value and “fill more shopfronts”.

“Main Beach is going through a resurgence. It’s just been taking a while,” he said.

Shucks’ Octavia Bugden serving Mayor Tom Tate and his wife Ruth Tate. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Shuck Restaurant owner Scott Budgen said business had been “unbelievable”.

“It’s been so fantastic. We’re full lunch and dinner,” he said. “It’s busier than when we started up (18 years ago). Especially now, everyone’s holidaying at home and it’s been amazing.

“There’s families everywhere, real estate has gone through the roof here. Main Beach has really come back.

Shucks has been filling up for lunch and dinner. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“People are realising it’s a very safe, private island. It’s very cool.”

Hot Shott cafe and restaurant manager Holly Higgins said she was really busy.

Asked if Main Beach was experiencing a revival, she was optimistic.

“I hope so. It really does feel like that,” Ms Higgins said.

“A lot of the time traffic here is crazy, people complain they can’t find a park. It’s awesome.”

Long-time residents Patricia James and Yvonne Green said Main Beach was thriving.

“There’s a bit more confidence. There’s developments starting up, restaurants and bars in the pipeline,” Ms James said.