Joey’s in Brisbane has brought about a fresh glow into Kangaroo Point since changing owners in November 2020. It is bringing a “whole [new] demographic and vibe” to the community with its simplistic and effective offering.
Its success has been led by a vibrant and enthusiastic group, who not only used the pandemic to rework its cocktail menu but is also took service to the community one step further, attempting to ascertain a 24-hour coffee licence to help essential workers.
Joey’s Venue Manager Ondi Feldsman explained the keys to recent achievements to Bars and Clubs, saying: “To start with our successes, the take over from where the venue was to where it is today has really changed the whole demographic and vibe of kangaroo Point.
“We have ascertained an amazing staff basis who are competent from front of house to back of house. Implementing the Aperol bar experience which is served every Friday, Saturday and Sunday is a real vibe.”
She also spoke about the difficulties and how Joey’s overcome them: “In all we, like most venues throughout Brisbane and throughout Australia, have been hit with Coronavirus hardships through how we have lost trade and have faced shutting down through lockdowns that are implemented by the government. We did use that time to create a new menu so we tried to make it into a positive.
“We think throughout the hardships all venues across greater Brisbane and abroad have seen, we have all bound together and supported all industry. We will always endeavour to support our fellow business owners, our staff and our community whilst we all work through it together.”
She added: “We are getting a petition together to serve coffee 24-seven for all our essential workers, so that they have an easy access and tasty brew to take away to be on the front line, and getting the community involved in the movement. It is hard with licensing but striving towards that goal.”
Located on premier real estate in Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point overlooking the Brisbane River, opposite the city’s botanical gardens, Joey’s is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of Brisbane’s returning nightlife and has done so with a community-minded approach.
“Thus far the 2021 trade has really hit the ground running. Since our take over in November 2020 we have not looked back. Our kitchen is pumping out our Mediterranean, northern Italian stylised menu with a gorgeous pizza menu that all our regulars and newcomers love, as it is so approachable bright and vibrant,” Ondi said.
“Our cocktail menu and rotating beer taps have had such an amazing response that is what the people are loving and vibing. It’s simple, bright, tasty and approachable. We have taken staples and made them our own with fresh juices, fresh fruit, quality liquor and a very knowledgeable staff who continuously bring the goods to our menu.
“Since we’ve taking over, we’ve seen two lockdowns thus far which have been hard. But in all the whole venue is pumping and we are honestly doing an amazing trade that evidently reflects how the venue has been received by greater Brisbane.”
She believes the success since November, is owed to Joey’s point of difference that can be seen in its simplicity and engaging entertainment.
“Like any success story in a venue, I believe it is all about the vibe we bring, creating an environment that not only your staff back but your customers come back for. We have a very easy, approachable menu that is great to share and is really affordable, a great and simple cocktail, wine and beer list that is a rage in the community,” he explained.
“Implementing events like the Aperol bar with an accompanied DJ pumping out disco and tech house bangers have greatly helped and having a great presence on all social media platforms and engaging with our customers and their tags is so integral and gets them involved in our evolving space.”
Ondi also recommended his method of simplicity to other venue managers and bar owners, stating: “Invest in your staff, invest in farm to fork produce, simplify your menu and create an environment that not only your staff love to come to every shift, but your regulars and your new customers.
“Support your surrounding venues, farmers, local producers and keep your spirits high during the hard times.
“Looking forward further into 2021 we will endeavour to have alterations in both our food and bar menu to keep it flowing into another busy summer ahead.”
