Managing Director at Gambaro Group.
Managing Director at Gambaro Group.
The man behind two of the Gold Coast’s newest foodie hotspots, John Gambaro, has hospitality in his blood. From growing up surrounded by culinary legends to leading his own ventures as Managing Director of the Gambaro Group, John is serving up a slice of that famous Gambaro magic right here on the coast. With the opening of Pipi’s and Awaken, he’s bringing Mediterranean-inspired dining and fresh, coastal vibes to Coolangatta.
We chatted with John about what inspired him to follow in his family’s footsteps, what makes the Gambaro brand so successful, and his thoughts on the Gold Coast food scene.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
It’s always tough to capture everything in a few words, but I am perfectionist when it comes to delivering the best service, food, and presentation. I pay close attention to the details and take pride in the quality of my work. I also know that the food industry is always changing, and I’m open to learning and adapting to stay in tune with those shifts. On a personal level, I deeply value my family and friends. I consider myself a caring, compassionate and emphatic person, and I always try to be there for the people who matter most to me.
You come from a long line of hospitality legends—what inspired you to follow in your family’s footsteps?
I have always been deeply inspired by my father. Over the years, I’ve watched him not only serve exceptional food and provide outstanding service but also build meaningful connections with the wonderful people he’s met along the way. His passion for the hospitality industry goes beyond the kitchen—he was truly devoted to ensuring every customer leaves happy and satisfied. Seeing his dedication to making each guest feel valued and appreciated has had a lasting impact on me, and it’s shaped how I approach my own work. His ability to connect with people, combined with his commitment to quality, has been a constant source of motivation for me.
What do you think is the secret sauce behind the Gambaro family’s success in the industry?
I believe the key to our success lies in our complete commitment to engaging with and truly listening to our customers. We strive to understand what they want, while always maintaining consistency in both the quality of our food and the level of service we provide. Our strong work ethic, along with the dedication and support of the incredible staff we’ve had over the years, has been fundamental to what we’ve achieved.
Congratulations on opening of Pipi’s and Awaken on the Gold Coast! What made you choose this location?
The breathtaking location and panoramic views have been a constant source of inspiration for me. I’ve also been influenced by the work of developer Paul Gedoun, whose dedication to building world-class developments in this area reflects his deep love and passion for the community. His commitment to enhancing the area and improving the lives of those who live here has been truly inspiring.
Tell us a bit about what we can expect when dining at Pipi’s.
The space is beautifully designed to be both relaxing and welcoming, offering guests a perfect setting to enjoy. Our Mediterranean-inspired menu features the freshest ingredients, all sourced locally from across Queensland. While dining, you’ll have the stunning ocean as your backdrop, where you can watch dolphins, whales, boats, and surfers go by. It’s an unforgettable experience that truly captures the essence of coastal dining at its best.
How has the Gold Coast food scene evolved in your eyes, and where do you see it heading?
The Gold Coast has grown fast and is becoming a great spot for food lovers. The dining scene is thriving, offering a range of exciting options that are drawing attention from both locals and visitors.
What’s next for you and the Gambaro Group?
We’ve just opened Black Hide Steak and Seafood at Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane, and now we’re searching for the perfect location to bring our renowned Gambaro Seafood Restaurant to its new home.
What are your Gold Coast Favourites:
Café: Awaken, Coolangatta
Restaurant: Pipi’s, Coolangatta
Bar: Nineteen at the Star, Broadbeach
Beach: Snapper Rocks
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I enjoy spending my time with family, whether it’s swimming, playing tennis, going for bike rides, or cooking a delicious dinner together.
Every now and again, a venue so spectacular struts into town that it immediately has us in its clutches and entirely turns the local dining landscape on its head(land). Making its grand entrance earlier this year, Mediterranean dining darling Pipi’s Restaurant was precisely that pivotal addition, turning the tides for foodie prospects in the cosy seaside locale of Coolangatta.
Boasting the dream trifecta of elevated eats, absolute oceanfront position and show stopping good looks, the latest jewel in the Gambaro Group crown has a lot going on. Earning itself a rep for impeccable service and quality to rival its coveted outlook, Pipi’s is now making fresh waves with some superb additions to its elevated eats offering. So, if you’re yet to meet the seaside venue that’s changing the game in the Southern GC, there has never been a better time to dive in to this dreamy dining destination!
Perched atop Point Danger, with an outlook spanning from Snapper Rocks across to D’Bah, Pipi’s is so much more than just a pretty spot for a bite. Unveiling a brand new destination unlike anything else on offer in the area, the arrival has totally transformed the Boundary Street strip. Occupying the first level of Coolangatta’s new luxury Awaken complex, the 100 pax showstopper has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for seaside revelling.
Perfectly positioned to host everything from casual drinks and family lunches through to luxury events like reunions and weddings; Pipi’s has redefined the way in which the tight-knit community can converge, carouse and celebrate in style – the world is your oyster, party people!
Leaning into its ocean proximity, Pipi’s is all about crafting Mediterranean-inspired fare that simultaneously elevates local produce and delivers a European escape for the tastebuds.
With renowned Brisbane establishments like Gambaro Seafood Restaurant and Black Hide Steakhouse in its bloodline, when it comes to building on that 70-year culinary legacy, Pipi’s isn’t pulling any punches.
At the heart of the light and airy space sits an expansive open kitchen and bar which connects both dining spaces. Meanwhile, the inclusion of central showpieces such as a dedicated oyster bar and open flame Josper grill have dual benefits of creating a lively and theatrical ambiance while churning out a superb culinary experience.
Bolstered by some tantalising new land and sea additions, the menu combines renowned signature dishes such as Steak Frites with vibrant new options like the Veal Tenderloin, served with orange, carrot and capers.
While tangy new inclusions like tomato and pickled cucumber King Fish Crudo and Seared Half Shell Scallops finished in brown butter and finger lime will have seafood connoisseurs hook, line and sinker… #Drool. For sweet tooths, the newly-added Baked Cheesecake with red wine and berries also teeters perilously on the verge of ‘drop everything to get a taste’ territory.
If you’re more in the mood to graze and sip, Pipi’s provides the perfect setting to do so. With a soothing interior inspired by the colours and textures of the pipi shell, perch up in the welcoming, light-filled surrounds and get cozy with the diverse snack and drinks selection – the latter loaded with distinctive cocktails and European wines.
Striking the balance between elegance and laid-back coastal, Pipi’s is truly a ‘choose your own adventure’ venue – effortlessly adapting to whatever level of indulgence you’re in the mood for. And really, when aren’t we down for Crispy Prawn Rolls, Seafood Platters and crafted cocktails!
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
When: Wednesday – Sunday from 11:30am – 3:00pm, Wednesday – Thursday 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Friday – Saturday 5:30pm – 10:00pm, Sunday 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Website: pipisrestaurant.au
Instagram: @pipisrestaurant
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY PIPI’S RESTAURANT
If you haven’t dipped your toes into the brewtiful Awaken Café at Coolangatta yet, it’s high tide time you did! Opening with a splash in March, this coastal gem is more than just a pretty view and their delicious array of post-surf fresh treats is already making waves.
Inviting us to roll in off the blissful beach and straight into the café, its iconic oceanfront location is rivalled only by the impeccable noms and coastal chic aesthetics. Because looks matter when it comes to our fave eats and sips spaces.
Speaking of, let’s dive belly-first into the menu choccas with freshly homemade goodness.
Start your day right with a classic Cheese Toasty or the oh-so-satisfying Focaccia Pizza, for the best kind of carb coma? Need a vitamin sea boost? The freshly squeezed juices will do the trick and if you’re in the mood for something fruity but hearty, the amazing acai bowls are just the ticket.
Another quintessential café fave at Awaken are the sensational Salmon Breakfast Rolls. Pie and pastry lovers are also in for a treat, with a sumptuous selection that’s as flaky as every guy you ever met at Melba’s.
Moving on to lunch, it would be criminal not to shout-out the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu Beef Burger, and the Soup of the Day for those looking for a cozy winter-warmer option.
As if we’re not already sold on this place, Awaken is giving us yet another reason to scoot on in – quite literally. Right now, they have a wheely good competition that could see you zipping around town on a Benzina Zero V-50 Electric Scooter. Simply make a purchase at the café, scan the QR code, and you’re in the running to win this sleek, eco-friendly ride*. Multiple entries are welcome, so go ahead and double-dip – we won’t judge.
For a bit more background for Awaken virgins, we describe it as a love letter to the classic Queensland cafés of yesteryear – but with a modern twist. The light, airy décor and coastal furnishings complete with retro touches create an inviting space that’s as charming as it is chic. The floor tiling and display counters are reminiscent of the textured pathways leading you down to the ocean, which you can do for real after your morning or arvo pitstop.
You can chill inside or soak up the sun, ocean breezes, and panoramic views from Snapper Rocks to Duranbah Beach in the Fido-friendly outdoor seated area. That’s right, canines and caffeine lovers unite here, with both two-legged and four-legged patrons welcomed with open paws.
Directed by the legendary John Gambaro, we’re eternally grateful that he brought a taste of hospitality giant Gambaro Group’s gastronomic greatness (say that five times) to our ‘hood. With over 65 years in the hospitality game, the Gambaro Group’s Brissie-based runaway success stories include Black Hide Steakhouses, Persone Italian Restaurant, and of course, Gambaro Seafood Restaurant. They’re also behind Cooly’s other fave new kid on the block, Pipi’s, which fun fact: is just upstairs from Awaken!
So, what are you waiting for – get Awakened! Suited to a tea (or a coffee, juice or smoothie) to the area’s easy-going lifestyle and chill vibes, swing in to sample their mouth-watering menu – and maybe even score yourself a snazzy electric scooter. Sea you there!
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
When: 6am – 2pm Monday to Friday, 6am – 3pm Saturday & Sunday
Website: awakencafe.au
Instagram: @awaken.cafe.dbah
Words by Bianca Trathen
*The winner will be picked at the beginning of September, 2024. Terms and conditions apply.
STORY SPONSORED BY AWAKEN CAFÉ
Dave Galvin is the man behind some of the Gold Coast’s most beloved dining establishments, including kōst, Mozza Mozza, and Crafty’s. But that’s not all – his culinary empire is about to expand even further with a massive new development set to open in Kirra this November. Despite being possibly the busiest restaurateur on the Coast, he carved out some time to answer our questions about his new ventures and what he loves about the GC hospitality scene.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
On and off since 2010 while opening QT Gold Coast, and then I opened my first venue Crafty’s in 2018 so true local since then.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The lifestyle is amazing, laid back people, a stunning coastline and a climate that can’t be beaten!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I love to have fun first and foremost, everything personally and professionally has to a whole heap of enjoyment involved in it. We have a new family, so I love spending as much time as I can with my little man as possible. On the professional front, hospitality is in my blood and I love delivering amazing hospitality and building great teams. Hospitality is a people game, and you can’t do it by yourself, so a positive culture and amazing leaders are super important to me.
You recently opened a new restaurant in Broadbeach. Congratulations! Tell us a little bit about kost.
kōst bar and grill is our latest venture at SITE Hospitality, and it is a coastally inspired, wood-fired grill and cocktail bar. It’s a stunning design, beautiful cocktail bar, private dining room and plenty of amazing outdoor seating. The food is world class, and the cocktails are next level. It has hit the mark from the start, and we are very busy with so much local love, and tourists alike.
You own and manage a lot of venues, so tell us, what’s the secret to running a good business?
It’s tough running multiple businesses, as you need to be in all of them equally, although when you open a new venue they are all-consuming. Our secret sauce is having really strong concepts, great brands and beautiful designs, and backed up by our people, and I’m lucky to have some great leaders in the business, that can keep the vision and culture aligned and on track, so the businesses can run successfully with new openings happening fairly regularly. Next year is a year I’m really looking forward to, and it’s all about stabilising our businesses and innovating at the same time.
What do you think about the hospitality scene on the Gold Coast
I think there is a lot of good, but not a lot of great hospitality on the Coast. There are some great operators doing some cool things, however there are a lot of old school operators comfortable doing what they have been doing for years. I see the Gold Coast as an exciting region for hospitality. in saying that, it can be fickle so you have to be good at what you do, and be consistent, as no one wants to waste their time or money on something average.
What do you love the most about running businesses on the Gold Coast?
The people, it’s a region where you can nurture passionate staff with minimal experience and build them up to deliver something special in each of our venues. I’ve also spent 20 years in Sydney, so having venues close by and minimal traffic is a huge bonus, and having a beach at every turn helps dealing with the pressures of business.
Do you have anything else exciting in the pipeline?
We have our biggest and most exciting project which just got announced last week, being Kirra Beach House at Kirra Point. It’s the Kirra Beach Hotel redevelopment which launches in November. Kirra Beach House will be a 1200sm beachside, hospitality and entertainment venue consisting of 3 cocktail bars, cabanas over the beach, sprawling terraces and a stunning large scale wedding and event venue in one. I’ve been working on the project with the KTQ group for the past five years, and I have never experienced such a commitment to design and delivery, and an amazing group of people as well. This is going to be a Gold Coast, if not South East Queensland destination hot spot!
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Favourite café: Daark Espresso, Chirn Park
Favourite restaurant: Now it is kōst obviously
Favourite bar: Paloma Wine Bar, Burleigh
Favourite beach: Kirra Beach
How do you choose to spend your days off?
In the old days it was long lunches and rounds of golf, these days it’s more family time and champagne on the balcony.
