How four sets of sisters found success with Pomona Distilling Co

There are eight sisters in the busy crew of a booming bistro and distillery just inland of Noosa, and they couldn’t be happier with the vibe it has created.

(From left to right) Chloe Somoano, Hannah Bebbington, Molly and Ava Baker and Freya and Matilda Abnett are among the four sets of sisters working at Pomona Distilling Co. Picture: Alex Nelson.

A popular distillery and restaurant at Pomona in the Noosa hinterland has been built off the back of community ‘spirit’ since opening its doors in 2019.

Pomona Distilling Co prides itself on being a little family – both figuratively and literally.

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The business is home to four sets of young sisters, who make up a solid chunk of the bistro staff.

Chloe Somoano and Hannah ‘Bebbs’ Bebbington, Freya and Matilda Abnett and new hires Noula and Rudy McKinnon mostly work on front of house shifts.

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Molly Baker, 20, said she loves working with her sister at Pomona Distilling Co – but it wasn't always that way. Picture: Benjamin Fraudenmann.

Molly Baker, 20, has been working for Pomona Distilling Co since it first opened in December 2019.

Earlier in 2022, Molly’s younger sister Ava, 16, started working at the venue.

At first, Ava was working as a kitchen hand. Shortly after, and much to Molly’s dismay, she was “promoted” to a front of house staff member.

At first, Molly said she had hoped for some separation from her sibling.

“It felt very weird for me to begin with, even just having her in the kitchen,” she said.

“But we figured she was a great help on the floor as well.”

Nearly nine months later, Molly now wishes Ava started working there sooner.

“At first I didn’t really want her working with me,” she said.

“We seem to both have gotten used to it and it would have been nice if she was here with me from the start.”

Molly and Ava Baker are among the four sets of sisters working on the floor at Pomona Distilling Co. Picture: Benjamin Fraudenmann.

Customers often ask the eight sisters whether they are related, noting their behaviour and clear resemblance.

Molly said having such a tight-knit familial group of staff members often rubs off on customers.

“It definitely creates a more comfortable environment,” she said.

“Between all of us, we do get along really well … it’s like we’re all related to each other.”

“Customers definitely notice it – in a good way.”

All eight siblings frequently work the same Saturday and Sunday shifts.

Originally published as How four sets of sisters found success with Pomona Distilling Co