Grill set to thrill in former Spinnaker site

A BUNDY man who beat terminal cancer is opening the city's newest restaurant along with his wife in the old Spinnaker building.

RIVER VIEWS: Steve and Courtney Evans are the owners of the Rock Bar and Grill in the old Spinnaker building. Picture: Paul Donaldson

THE Australian way is to get back up when you're knocked down.

That is exactly what one Bundaberg couple has done, as they prepare to open the doors to Bundaberg's newest restaurant.

The Rock Bar and Grill can be found overlooking the waters of the Burnett River in the old Spinnaker restaurant site.

Owners Courtney and Steve Evans are determined, like in their past, they will defy the odds and the new venture will be a huge success in what has been a troubled venue for others.

In 2014, Mr Evans beat bowel and liver cancer doctors had told him was terminal.

Mr Evans was diagnosed in August 2013.

Bowel cancer had spread to his liver, and he was not expected to live for more than 12 months.

Doctors placed Mr Evans on palliative care chemo as the tumours were too big and had spread too far to operate.

Mrs Evans said the chemo was the only option and they thought "what do we have to lose".

In a year, which should have marked the time when the family were saying their good-byes, the doctors gave Mr Evans the all clear.

"By six months they said the tumours had shrunk so much they were able to operate to remove the cancer," she said.

"So nine months of chemo, three of surgery and at almost 12 months to the date of diagnosis Steve was cancer free."

At this stage the family made the decision to live each day to its fullest.

"We were ticking all the right boxes in life," Mrs Evans said.

"So we decided to open a family friendly place for everyone to come and enjoy a relaxing beer or a feed."

The couple said a lot of work had been done to refurbish the property, including a new playground, giving the river bank a "tidy up" and spraying for mosquitoes.

They have five kids and said that played a big part in deciding to open the relaxed grill.

Mrs Evans said people will be surprised by the menu and the burgers were one of a kind.

"You won't get a burger like it in Bundy," she said.

"The atmosphere will be relaxed so a great place to come for a beer and a feed."

She said they would cater for families, couples and the function room, Allure, was big enough for weddings, birthdays, Christmas parties or any special occasion.

"We're a really down to earth family and really big on family," she said.

The restaurant will have a soft opening in the next few weeks with the grand opening expected to be on July 23.

"First impressions count," Mrs Evans said.

"The chefs start next week and this should iron out the bits and pieces to start and then we will open the doors."

Mr Evans has spent 15 years managing the Melbourne Hotel and Sugarland Tavern.

Originally published as Grill set to thrill in former Spinnaker site