OF THE PACKLeaders

The year 2020 has been the year of change and the leaders of the future are those that have accepted a new way in readiness for an exciting new future, as Carlie Wacker discovers.

Leading the way in hospitality is much-loved local business The Ohana Group. With fresh ideas and an epic new location, directors Ryan Fitzpatrick and Rashi Devendra are ready to power ahead with an exciting relocation to the industrial area in Coolum.

“Like most businesses, this year has been super tough and for us it was a time to look at what we could do to consolidate our expenses and streamline our services,” says Ryan “With this move we will have a larger commercial kitchen, storage facility for our equipment for events, a meeting space for individuals and businesses and most excitingly, an intimate chef’s table room with capacity for 12 people.”

This move by The Ohana Group gives them the opportunity to showcase every aspect of their business under one roof, providing clients with a clearer idea of what is on offer.

For those who haven’t yet experienced The Ohana Group, you will be impressed to know that they cater for all occasions including private dining. Their wedding and events team led by Rashi can provide end-to-end or individual services for your special day or put on a memorable corporate event for any budget. They have a Tiki’s Shack food truck and a fully licensed pop-up bar. Not to mention the stunning styling services of Rashi.

Plus, with this new location comes an innovation named Table O. Executive Chef Ryan says “Table O (Chef’s Table) gives the team and I a platform to showcase what we do in a private discrete place that is our own. As we cater for a certain clientele, usually in their properties or lettings, we are limited with what we can use equipment-wise and are conscious of our surroundings for example charcoal grill, smoking guns etc. The menus will vary between 9-15 courses with wine and beverage pairing and we will have in-house dedicated bartenders and sommelier. We are looking forward to opening a few dates to limited numbers next year, we are also in talks with a few guest chefs to host special dinners – it’s exciting.”

The new home base also provides room for a retail shopfront for The Crate Collective, which was a hug hit during COVID lockdown. Originally created to bring together local food artisans with consumers, it’s been a phenomenal success and will also restart in early 2021.

The Sunshine Coast-based initiative is all about supporting local products and businesses in the region. It is a collection of premium products you would normally only experience when eating out.

“These crates helped keep our producers and families going during this tough year and the public were great supporters of the program,” said Ryan.

“During the last few months, we have sent more than 350 custom crates for firms in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Each crate includes sustainable and ethically-produced, gluten-free goodies. We are excited to have a retail outlet for it, but we can also continue to send a taste of the Sunshine Coast interstate,” says Ryan.

Its not just a rough year for the hospitality group that has inspired The Ohana Group to pivot and plot for world domination – they are always evolving and leading in transitions.

“It sounds simple but we just look at what we have and try to better it every time,” says Ryan.

The Ohana Group are ready and excited for the new year – Tiki’s Shack truck will be back on the road at RNA showgrounds, Byron Blues Festival and many more locations. The pumping new premises will open in early 2021 and if the past is any indication, they will be launching new ventures well into the future. Hold onto your hats people – The Ohana Group are full steam ahead.