Venue owner and chef Ian Banghal opens Rise and Set Cafe in Coombabah
The owner of a long-standing Burleigh Heads restaurant says he made the right decision to “escape” the construction-ridden suburb and open a new venue on the northern Gold Coast.
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The owner of a long-standing Burleigh Heads restaurant says he made the right decision to “escape” the construction-ridden suburb and open a new venue on the northern Gold Coast.
Venue owner and chef Ian Banghal has re-entered the restaurant game six months after closing his popular beachside venue Willow Dining.
Mr Banghal said he had been basking in the relaxed atmosphere at his latest venture Rise and Set Cafe in Coombabah, which opened in December.
“We loved Burleigh, but we wanted to escape the busy Gold Coast Highway and find a new location with a relaxed atmosphere,” he said.
“Our new spot offers a fresh start, ample parking and a more laid-back neighbourhood.”
Mr Banghal said he made the decision to shut Willow in June after nine years of trading in Burleigh.
He said their building on the Lower Gold Coast Highway was sold and the landlord increased the rent by 54 per cent.
“It is something we can’t control,” he said.
“The offer is too high and something no one will say yes to (but) the new owner wants to open a liquor shop.
“Light-rail construction didn’t affect us at all.
“It was a hard decision but we decided it was time to move on.”
After a month of settling into his new life in Coombabah, Mr Banghal said he was grateful for the “supportive” and “happy locals”.
“They’re proud to have a unique spot in the area that’s more than just a simple cafe,” he said.
Mr Banghal said locals were loving Rise and Set Cafe’s cranberry rustic avocado; creamy garlic prawns served inside a toasted bun bowl; sizzling pork belly; and lamb kofta salad.
He said he hoped to revive Willow Dining as a dinner tapas restaurant at the Coombabah location mid-year.
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Originally published as Venue owner and chef Ian Banghal opens Rise and Set Cafe in Coombabah
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