Gold Coast shopping centres turn into fine dining hubs
A fascinating trend is now happening on the Gold Coast that’s seeing the big shopping centres and smaller malls setting themselves up as up-market foodie hot spots.
The first to do it were Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre, followed by Harbour Town at Biggera Waters and The Strand at Coolangatta.
The trend is continuing at Australia Fair at Southport and Oasis at Broadbeach.
And the Oasis Shopping Centre will get three restaurants - Byron Bay-based Main Street Burger Bar, seafood spot Beachside Pavillion and the Gold Coast’s first Harajuku Gyoza, which serves up Japanese dumplings, sake and other sides.
Oasis centre manager Rosalind Blandford said the new offerings, part of the centre’s $25 million overhaul, are all being put out there in the lead up to next year’s Commonwealth Games.
“We’re looking for operators that are the best in class, people who are unique and do their food well,” Blandford told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“Main Street Burger are based in Byron Bay and they mix their own sodas, which is something really different.
“Family favourites Mario’s and Alto Cucina & Bar are also getting new fit-outs and launching in line with each other in April.”
There’s a reason why the shopping centres and malls are doing this. It’s all to attract the people back in the fight against online shopping.
Australia Fair general manager Ramon Otten said the addition of dining spaces was strategically important in this battle.
“We are competing with the world of online shopping, so it’s vital for us to provide additional offerings that will entice people to leave the comfort of their home,” Otten told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“Australia Fair Metro was the first phase of our redevelopment, and was created to provide new dining options in the heart of Gold Coast’s CBD to put Southport back on the map as a dining hotspot.”
by Leon Gettler, January 31st 2017
