Restaurateur Sam Byrd sells NOA, Edge Hill

A Cairns restaurateur widely recognised for reshaping the city’s foodie scene has sold one of his flagship locations.

Diners on the deck at NOA in Edge Hill . PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

Sam Byrd a Cairns restaurateur widely recognised for reshaping the city’s foodie scene has sold one of his flagship locations, Edge Hill institution NOA.

Mr Byrd opened NOA in 2014 as a new eating concept championing sharing with his signature use of fresh, seasonal produce.

For almost ten years the restaurant in the Cairns foodie hub on Pyne St has offered dishes and drinks made to be shared by a couple or a group.

NOA was Mr Byrd’s second endeavour after opening Ozmosis on the same foodie strip and he would later go on the expand his offerings opening Guerrilla, Hopscotch, and European-style restaurant Palooka.

Mr Byrd said that the decision to sell NOA was about focusing on Palooka and being able to spend more time with his young family.

Sam Byrd. Picture: Supplied Picture: Supplied

“It was time for a change and something different,” he said.

“My partner is also pregnant so it was about being more involved with my family.”

Mr Byrd also recently passed on his part ownership of Mexican-style restaurant Guerrilla, which opened in 2021, to his business partner Davey O’Rourke.

“It was about more time with the family and more time to try new things,” he said.

“Instead of grinding three stones at once I can focus on one with more quality.”

NOA will be in good hands with new owner Vivek Ponugoti already producing some of the best food in Cairns at Piato at the Pier on the Cairns waterfront.

“NOA will continue as it has with Vivek at the head, who is expanding his own portfolio and the team are all staying on board.”

Mr Byrd said he felt a strong sense of pride when he drives down Collins Ave in Edge Hill and sees the restaurants he started filled with patrons.

“I always have a smile on my face when I drive past and see what that stretch has become,” he said.

Alex Smith, Martina Musso, Buddy Byrd and Sam Byrd at NOA in 2014.

“NOA was about being a part of the community with strong ties to the people coming in everyday.

“I wanted it to be an extension of people’s living room where they could come and enjoy it like it was their space.

“It had it all. We were able to run all services and do them well which meant it never felt empty.”

Mr Byrd is excited for what his future brings.

“Now I’m excited to see what I can do at Palooka and see what other opportunities present themselves and spend a bit of extra time with my family.”

Originally published as Restaurateur Sam Byrd sells NOA, Edge Hill