Finally, an operator with a grin
THEY are the venue managers who are an oasis of patronage and positivity amid a wasteland of Commonwealth Games-related grimness.
Meet Tom Sanders, from Broadbeach hotspot Koi on Surf Parade and Simon King of Swannies in Southport. After two nights taking the pulse of the Glitter Strip on the first few days of the Games, they are two operators found by the Bulletin who are upbeat.
“There is always the calm before the storm and the storm is starting to arrive so it is good, it’s exciting for the Gold Coast,” Mr Sanders said on Friday night. “We’re going good,”
“We’re open later, days are getting busier. A lot of people are saying it’s a ghost town but it’s not,” he said, standing streetside in front of a full Koi.
It was 11.45pm, the kitchen was still open - almost an hour after it would normally shut – and people were still coming in, asking for menus.
“Normally we are only open until midnight but with all the people from Europe coming over, they need to have a good time and we need to make the Gold Coast memorable.”
Mr Sanders said it helped being near the 1200 international media who have descended on Broabeach sites to cover the Games.
“A lot of the media are just finishing for the night now so we need to look after them.”
And in Southport at Swannies bar and restaurant, they are setting trade records.
The venue on pedestrianised Nerang Street is near Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and swimming spectators pass it on their way to and from the tram.
Swannies new partner Simon King said trade for the Games had “been sensational”.
“We have been fortunate because of our position. We have been smashing it.”