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Mecca Bah, Orzo and The Cuban strip on Oracle Boulevard part of multimillion dollar revamp

A section of the Gold Coast’s popular dining hub in Broadbeach is about to undergo a no-expense-spared transformation. SEE WHERE AND WHO IS BEHIND IT

Gold Coast premium dining destination, Oracle Boulevard, announcied a multi-million-dollar transformation that will set a new standard for luxury dining and redefine the culinary scene on the Coast. SOX Hospitality founder Simon Morris and Jason Makris, CEO of Makris Group, at the announcement. Picture Glenn Hampson
Gold Coast premium dining destination, Oracle Boulevard, announcied a multi-million-dollar transformation that will set a new standard for luxury dining and redefine the culinary scene on the Coast. SOX Hospitality founder Simon Morris and Jason Makris, CEO of Makris Group, at the announcement. Picture Glenn Hampson

A multimillion-dollar revamp is coming to a popular stretch of the Broadbeach dining hub Oracle Boulevard.

A new “multi-venue food and beverage project” redevelopment will start to take shape in coming weeks where popular venues Mecca Bah, Orzo and The Cuban operate.

Privately owned developer Makris Group, who acquired Oracle Boulevard in 2014, has joined forces with Gold Coast bar and dining newcomer Sox Hospitality for the transformation.

Part of Gold Coast premium dining destination Oracle Boulevard is to undergo a multi-million-dollar transformation setting a new standard for luxury dining and redefining the culinary scene on the Coast. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Part of Gold Coast premium dining destination Oracle Boulevard is to undergo a multi-million-dollar transformation setting a new standard for luxury dining and redefining the culinary scene on the Coast. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Makris Group CEO Jason Makris said he was excited for the evolution of Oracle.

“Seeing that precincts like these are thriving more and more on the Gold Coast today, we’re excited about this new chapter between the two groups,” he said.

“The exercise will be multimillion (dollar). There will be no significant changes to the site, it’s going to be specific to this northern building of the Oracle on the retail side.

“This enhancement to the northwest corner will reconfirm its reputation as the leading food and beverage destination for locals and tourists.

“[Sox Hospitality Group’s] vision aligns perfectly with our ambition to continue to deliver a diverse range of quality dining options for the high-traffic Broadbeach community.”

Popular Italian restuarant Orzo. Picture Glenn Hampson.
Popular Italian restuarant Orzo. Picture Glenn Hampson.

The new project will blend three up-scale dining concepts and cuisines into one 600sq m hub, launching in late 2025.

The space currently home to Orzo, Mecca Bah and The Cuban is tipped to showcase a steakhouse, and a wine bar and lounge.

The site where Mecca Bah sits is part of the makeover. photo - supplied
The site where Mecca Bah sits is part of the makeover. photo - supplied

Founder of Sox Hospitality Simon Morris said the multi-venue project would enrich the city’s cuisine scene.

“These venues will elevate Oracle Boulevard’s already exceptional reputation by offering new and exciting options for both locals and visitors,” Mr Morris said.

“We’re creating not just restaurants, but destinations - places that will bring people together for memorable experiences, whether it’s a casual night out or a special occasion.

“Our mission is to enrich the Gold Coast’s dining landscape with venues that have their own unique character.

“This project is not just about venues, it’s about creating memorable experiences for everyone.”

Sox Hospitality made an entrance into the Gold Coast dining scene late last year, taking over White Rhino Bar + Eats in Surfers Paradise.

Mecca Bah has also been operating under Sox Hospitality for the past month.

Orzo founders Matt Jefferson and Dayne Cooper, in a heartfelt post to the Orzo Instagram, said they had “bittersweet” announcement that as of February 15, “Orzo will be closing”.

“Orzo has been a labour of love, passion and resilience born just three months before the world changed in ways we could never have imagined.

“Recently we were presented with an incredible business opportunity, one we simply couldn’t turn down. A buyer with big plans for a major new restaurant at the Oracle approached us to purchase the remainder of our lease as part of a larger expansion.

“After much reflection we made the decision to sell knowing this was the right move for us both personally and professionally.”

Originally published as Mecca Bah, Orzo and The Cuban strip on Oracle Boulevard part of multimillion dollar revamp

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/gold-coast/mecca-bah-orzo-and-the-cuban-close-inside-oracle-boulevards-multimillion-dollar-revamp/news-story/48922db9afa9c6a0c708d13d4f8fcab4