Seafood delight at old Pizza Hut site
A HERITAGE-LISTED site beloved for its uninterrupted views of the Gold Coast’s southern end is welcoming back visitors with its all-new beachfront dining experience.
Residents were devastated in 2019 when it was revealed Pizza Hut at Coolangatta would close its doors after more than 40 years – but newcomer Siblings Kirra is sure to fill the void.
Restaurateurs Peter and Tracey Cianci, known for Edgewater Dining and Fish Emporium at Isle of Capri, now hold what is considered the city’s most prime piece of real estate.
The 220-seat venue, which also offers private dining, will be overseen by sons Jarrod and Tj, as well as daughter Hannah, in what’s been described as a “family affair”.
Jarrod Kyle told the Bulletin it was a “special moment” to now be operating at the same location he frequented as a teen post-surf.
“I used to catch the bus down here and always walk past this place thinking it would be such a great place to work,” he said.
“Fifteen years down the track and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We didn’t lose any of the vintage character either, we’ve added to it.”
Vintage photographs of the surfing mecca dating back to the late 1970s adorn the walls in a polite nod to Kirra’s colourful history, while white rendered walls and pops of pastels complement its coastal backdrop.
“Some people walked in on our launch night and said it reminds them of being in Hawaii – but I think it’s better than that,” Mr Kyle said.
Guests will be treated to a range of modern Australian cuisine and vegan selections, with a focus on share plates and fresh seafood – the classic surf and turf already proving a hot favourite.
“Our menu really shows off where you are in the world, we want to pay respect to that,” Mr Kyle said.
Despite staff shortages crippling the city’s hospitality sector – and pleas from loved ones to hold off on their launch – Mr Kyle said everything was running quite smoothly.
“My brother TJ and I strive for perfection. We wanted everything perfect.
“We’re doing as well as we can, this is the biggest curve ball even in our parents’ history.
“To all those other businesses doing it tough, hang in there. We’re all in this together, it’s a big fight we’ve got on our hands but I think the storm is finally rolling past.”
Siblings Kirra will operate five days, soon to be seven from 9am till late.