Mackay’s Coco Cubano is gone for good, get ready to welcome the Blue Bird Lounge

A Mackay restaurant has undergone a major transformation and rebrand, with the owners saying the new spot is now the “perfect place for casual afternoon drinks or a boozy weekend brunch”. SEE THE NEW MENU

Bye bye Cubano, hello Blue Bird. Wood Street Cuban to undergo ‘classy’ makeover.

A CBD business has said ‘bye bye’ to the Cocos Cubano franchise and has launched an effort to revitalise their restaurant in the hopes of attracting a new buyer.

Coco Cubano, a Sydney Cuban food franchise, was first brought to Mackay’s Wood St in 2014 by owner Colleen Johnston.

“I’ll be honest I wanna retire,” Mrs Johnston said.

Colleen Johnston, after nine years of ownership, is rebranding the restaurant in the hopes of attracting a new buyer soon. Photo: Fergus Gregg

The Cuban style restaurant was put on the market in September 2023 for $295,000, with Mrs Johnston and her husband excitedly anticipating retirement.

Unfortunately it was not meant to be as, Mrs Johnston reflected, “no one wants to buy a franchise cause they take all the money and you just work for them”.

After negotiating an easy exit from the franchise after the agreement between Mrs Johnston and Coco’s expired, she is proud to announce that they will be rebranding the Cuban restaurant as a classy, tapas restaurant called the Blue Bird Lounge.

One of the new signature cocktails on their menu is the Mango Jalapeno Margarita.

“I think people will be surprised,” Mrs Johnston said.

“The new design will be less cluttered and more classy.”

Daughter of Mrs Johnston Alaryse Whitton said that her parents wanted to create something fresh and new.

“We’re keeping classic arches, moody lighting, intimate booths and comfortable leather armchairs, and focusing on crafting delicious cocktails and creating a menu of delicious food designed to share,” Mrs Whitton said.

“It’s the perfect place for casual afternoon drinks or a boozy weekend brunch.”

The Blue Bird Lounge's new tapas menu will feature Moroccan Lamb Meatballs.

The new menu will include fish and zucchini bites, Moroccan lamb meatballs and potatoes bravas as part of its brand new tapas menu.

Mrs Johnston intends to oversee the rebranding and help get the staff accustomed to the new menu, before once again putting the restaurant on the market.

Coco Cubano as you know it will disappear this week as it transforms into the Blue Bird Lounge. Photo: Fergus Gregg

The grand opening will be on Tuesday, July 2 and its owners are excited for Mackay to try out their new weekend breakfast menu, mango bellinis and other drinks and dishes.

“I think what we’ve done is great,” Mrs Johnston said.

“Come and have a look.”

Originally published as Mackay’s Coco Cubano is gone for good, get ready to welcome the Blue Bird Lounge