Former Pete Evans-linked Burleigh Heads Paleo cafe sells for more than $1m to new buyer

There’s a big change coming for a popular cafe in the heart of Burleigh Heads which was previously linked to controversial one-time reality star turned conspiracy theorist Pete Evans.

A cafe previously linked to controversial one-time reality star Pete Evans has changed hands.

The Park Avenue eatery in Burleigh Heads, most recently trading as the Paperback Cafe, sold under the hammer for more than $1m in an auction run by Ray White Commercial Burleigh Group agents Ryan Langham and Travis Raynor.

2 Park Ave, Burleigh Heads

Mr Langham said the sale, by vendor Rexnet Holdings, would open the door for a new venue.

“It’s in a marquee location, right opposite the bowls club at Burleigh and just steps from the beach, so I expect the buyer to really capitalise on their purchase,” he said.

“What a fantastic opportunity it is; we’re excited to see what life he breathes into the space.

“That James Street precinct is bustling, and will only grow more popular when the light rail comes through.

“The vendor wanted it sold – it was the last of their family holdings.

“Commercial auctions are always an interesting affair, so it’s great to get the result.”

Founder of The Paleo Cafe (chain) Marlies Hobbs at the Burleigh Paleo Cafe. Picture Mike Batterham

The venue was previously known as the Paleo Cafe, which opened in April 2014 and was part of a chain owned by Marlies Hobbs.

Pete Evans, who was then a major TV star thanks to fronting the popular My Kitchen Rules franchise, was its ambassador.

He also consulted on its menus.

The cafe was highly popular during the mid-2010s.

Bob Dever. Picture Glenn Hampson

Then-operator Bob Dever said in 2014 he was “ overwhelmed” by how busy it had been since it opened.

“The first weekend we had no idea what we were in for, so we ran out of everything,” he said at the time

Pete Evans was once an ambassador for the cafe. Picture: Instagram

“The feedback about the food has been great and people have been spreading the message through word of mouth.

“Being in Burleigh a lot of people are very conscious of what they eat, so we’re getting a lot of coeliacs coming in and they’re so appreciative as there’s not a lot of selection for them when going out.”

The venue began operating as Paperbark in 2020 and closed earlier this year.