Sunshine Coast hospitality: 33 of the most influential figures
A swag of restaurateurs, nightclub owners and coffee gurus have been identified as the who’s who of the hospitality industry. See who made the list in 2021:
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Successful restaurateurs, nightclub bosses and the owners of Insta-friendly coffee shops from the beach strips to the hinterland can be revealed as some of the Sunshine Coast’s most influential in the hospitality industry in 2021.
More than 10,000 people were employed in the hospitality sector – about seven per cent of the population, according to Sunshine Coast Council data for 2019/2020.
We have identified some of the most influential figures in the Sunshine Coast industry, not including the tourist enclave that is Noosa.
Here’s 33 of the most powerful, in no particular order, with some in pairs.
Brandt Bamford and Torren Read
It’s been two years since Brandt Bamford and Torren Read’s vision for Terella Brewing came to life with a vertical farm in North Arm.
Now the venue and its farm animals have become a destination and go-to venue to cure a thirst and pat a lamb.
Weekends there are packed and Melbourne Storm superstar Cameron Munster has come on board as an ambassador.
Dimi Limnatitis and Alex Johns
The long-time Ocean St traders run several night-life venues and eateries including Solbar, Old Soul and The Nautical.
The pair have long been vocal voices campaigning for improvement in hospitality circles.
Mr Limnatitis is also behind liqueur and ginger beer business Diablo Co.
Aaron and Kym-Sarah Ruttan
The pair have been part of the hospitality sector for more than a decade and currently own Maroochydore’s Kiki Bar and Eatery which was unveiled in 2019.
The pair previously owned the award-winning Spice Bar at Mooloolaba for about a decade but wanted to solely focus on Kiki.
Clayton Williams and Adrian Rosato
The Raw Group Hospitality directors own well-established Sunshine Coast bars including the Duporth Tavern at Maroochydore and the Beach House Bar and Grill at Nambour.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson is also a part owner of the Duporth Tavern, which recently underwent a major facelift to the tune of $3m.
David and Sarah Nash
The Velo Project in the backstreets of Mooloolaba was named the Sunshine Coast’s best brunch spot earlier this year following years of success after the pair purchased it in 2014.
Mr Nash was the head chef at former Maroochydore restaurant Ebb Waterfront Dining, while Ms Webb worked front of house at Harry’s in Buderim.
Joey Sandagon
As the owner of three thriving food and beverage businesses, The Good Bar Mooloolaba, Juan Fifty Kitchen and Bar and The Drunken Dumping, Mr Sandagon is a busy man.
The Drunken Dumpling opened in Ocean St early last year while The Good Bar is always a hive of activity.
Adam Tomlinson
Mr Tomlinson turned the heritage-listed former Club Hotel site on Currie St, Nambour into an alehouse and brewery in the early months of 2020.
He said he had grand plans to pave the way for Nambour night-life to transform into a similar version of Maroochydore’s Ocean St.
Acland Brierty
While Spirit House gained headlines this year after an alleged wilful damage spree, its reputation as a home of fine dining Asian eats remained alive and well.
The Yandina venue is tucked away in a tropical garden setting with a “world class” menu that changes with the seasons.
Matt Jancauskas
Hinterland brewery Brouhaha has helped put Maleny on the beer lover’s map after its 2016 opening.
The success has allowed for expansion with Brouhaha opening a second venue at Baringa with new taproom with 16 sours and beers on offer.
Jenna Sanders
The Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Kenilworth is arguably best known for a bakery which serves up 1kg doughnuts and sausage roll challenges.
Jenna Sanders is the brains behind the bakery, which will soon have a “grab and go” version open at The Wharf Mooloolaba.
Shaun Pyne
The larger than life sports agent and pastry lover has gained a cult following for his social media channel Pyney’s Pie Reviews.
Mr Pyne has racked up 17,000 followers with his page which reviews pies at bakeries, rest stops and diners.
Josh Donohoe
Craft beer and Mr Donohoe go together like an icy schooner on a hot day.
When he started Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours in 2016, the region had just three brewery stops.
Now, the booming business has more than a dozen from the beach to the hinterland.
Matty and Sharynne Wilson
The business minds behind Moffat Beach Brewing Co which has expanded into two Sunshine Coast locations.
The brewery has become a renowned winner at several craft beer awards since its launch in 2015.
Rick and Keri Gazzard
Publicans Rick and Keri Gazzard this year added the Glass House Mountains tavern to their collection of hinterland watering holes.
The couple are also the owners of the Palmwoods and Beerwah hotels.
Ben and Tama Jamieson
Staying in Palmwoods, we have former tradies turned hospitality players who have breathed new life into hinterland stop Rick’s Garage.
The pair recently added a bakehouse to the 1950s rock-n-roll inspired venue.
Rolf Mueller
Gympie publican and former Mooloolaba tuna fisherman Rolf Mueller recently refurbished the former The Bridge Seafoods site which became The Bridge Mooloolaba in November this year, with head chef Mahinda Panditha and the team ready to bring the site back to its former glory.
Mr Mueller bought the site four years ago and had tenants installed on a 12-year lease before taking charge.
Scott Armstrong
The managing director of Sunshine Coast Hotels Group which runs the popular Baringa, Brightwater and Parklands taverns has built his empire over several years.
The group will also run the long awaited $20m Bli Bli Tavern which is set to open mid-2022.
Danny Simmonds
An English expat who survived being homeless more than a decade ago has come a long way since setting foot on the Sunshine Coast.
Danny Simmonds and wife Rachel have three venues on the Sunshine Coast, with a pair of Criminal Coffee cafes and Scotch Bonnet, a Colombian-style bar and grill.
Kittea Ukkola
The owner of popular herbal bar and restaurant Elixiba has provided Ocean St with plant-friendly selections since opening in 2016.
Ms Ukkola was that year nominated for the Sunshine Coast Business and Tourism Awards as a Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Ben Baker
Mr Baker is the co-owner of Mooloolaba’s Dirty Moes and The Beach Bar and Grill at Mooloolaba.
He’s also involved in Blackflag Brewing with co-owners Steve and Geoff Barber, John Coumessos, Ross Holloway and Simon Grasby.
Steve Barber
Mr Barber is the owner of the successful Brisbane Rd venue Taps Mooloolaba and rapidly growing beer label Blackflag Brewing.
Mr Barber has run the bar for almost a decade and is well connected to the community.
Tony Kelly and Dirk Long
The well-known Sunshine Coast businessmen share several joint ventures including The Wharf Mooloolaba redevelopment.
Mr Kelly is arguably the busiest man in the Coast industry as the brains behind booming restaurants Rice Boi, Giddy Geisha, Market Bistro, Piggybank, cafe Miss Mays and the Eudlo General Store.
Matt Hepburn and Christen McGarry
Craft beer barons Matt Hepburn and Christen McGarry and their pals Larry, Sally, Eddie and Donnie opened their Your Mates brewery at Birtinya in 2018 and haven’t looked back.
The owners of the popular joint had previously been on television show Shark Tank.
Scott Hoskins
Mr Hoskins is the owner of popular Ocean St restaurant Junk which has a knack for always being busy since its unveiling in 2014.
Mr Hoskins this year expanded Junk to a second location at Buddina and is a co-owner of Woodhouse BBQ.
Troy Hofstede and Virginia Homer
The owners of popular Nambour restaurant and bar La Salsa Da Vida on Currie Street say they want to turn it into a live music venue.
Mr Hofstede and Ms Homer first opened the restaurant in 2018.
Ryan Fitzpatrick and Rashi Devandra
The duo are behind The Ohana Group which opened fine dining restaurant Venu at Coolum earlier this year.
Mr Fitzpatrick’s culinary career was shaped at prominent Noosa restaurants Sails, Berardos On the Beach and Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant.
Mitch Surman
Glass Coffee House and Wine Bar owner Mitch Surman is a well-connected man in the Maroochydore community through his surfing background.
In January 2021, the surfboard shaper used the venue to showcase the cuisine of Melbourne Asian fusion chef Ryo Northfield.
Adam Gaudion and Caity Dewar
The pair are behind Caloundra cafe White Picket Fence, which has turned into an influencers’ hangout since its opening in 2018.
Mr Gaudion is a former chef at Beau’s at Kings Beach.
Pier 33 team
Pier 33 has become a firm foodie favourite since its transformation from a Parkyn Parade yacht club to fine dining restaurant and wedding venue.
It is co-owned by John and Cat Robertson, Andrew Hohns, Hew Williams and Cricket Australia selector Trevor Hohns.
Liam Brown and Brendan Bryant
The pair brought a New Orleans-style offering to the southern end of Duporth Ave at Maroochydore in 2016.
Orleans Bar and Restaurant serves up the classics of New Orleans cuisine with a modern French Orléans twist with Mr Brown the executive chef.
Matt and Monique Savage
Caloundra foodies will be familiar with popular venues Drift Bar and Greedy Gringos.
The Savages opened the Mexican restaurant in 2020 on the back of the successful waterfront bar Drift.
John Calcino
Owner of Post Office Maroochydore opened the popular Ocean St nightclub and restaurant in 2014 and is a go-to venue for revellers.
Mr Calcino is also an Ocean St Precinct Association board member.
Rob McCue
Mr McCue is the owner of popular burger chain Hello Harry which has undergone serious expansion in recent years.
The chain is now a national success with franchises at Maroochydore, Bulcock Beach, Birtinya, Dapto, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and several in Brisbane suburbs.
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Originally published as Sunshine Coast hospitality: 33 of the most influential figures
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