Renowned local restaurateur takes the Helm at Port Douglas’ beloved Beach Shack

BUSINESS FEATURE

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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New owner Vincenzo di Cugno with the Ray White team who facilitated the sale. Picture: Ray White Port Douglas

Known for its idyllic seaside location and cherished local ambiance, The Beach Shack in Port Douglas is set to continue its reign as a beloved hotspot, now under the guidance of accomplished restaurateur Vincenzo di Cugno.

Mr di Cugno, known for his thriving establishment, La Cucina + Bar in Port Douglas, is poised to infuse new life into the Beach Shack as he brings a wealth of experience to this new venture.

The transition in ownership comes as the previous owner seeks new opportunities, according to Soula Kazakis, agent at Ray White Port Douglas, who facilitated the sale in collaboration with Ray White agents Lee Tartaglia and Mark Flinn.

Ms Kazakis expressed her confidence in the new owner, highlighting their talent, organisational prowess, strong work ethic, and prior achievements in managing a successful restaurant in Port Douglas. 

“Whatever their plans are, I know the community is keen to have the Beach Shack up and operating and they will embrace and support them,” she noted.

Love at first sight

Mr di Cugno’s strong connection to the community played a pivotal role in his decision to acquire The Beach Shack. 

“During my early days in Port Douglas I decided to dine at The Beach Shack with a few friends and I instantly fell in love with the place,” he recalled. “At sunset with beautiful light coming across the park, it seems magic.

“I used to dream of owning it, but I never thought that buying it would become a reality. It's like they say, 'dreams do come true.”

This personal connection made him immediately recognise the potential that The Beach Shack presented.

“Its spot in front of Four Mile Beach offers a dining experience with the soothing sounds of the waves crashing on the beach,” Mr di Cugno said.

The fact that the restaurant is located in a residential area also appealed to him. 

“Situated where locals reside, including myself, the Beach Shack fills a crucial gap in the community by providing limited dining options for both on-site dining and takeout.

“Being part of the neighbourhood allows us to become a staple in the community, join local events and build a strong customer relationship.

“The combination of a beachfront location opens doors for various streams, such as hosting events, offering takeaway services for picnics on the shore.

“My vision for the future is to build up a strong relationship with the locals in the area and become a point of reference for them.”

Strong community presence

The Beach Shack is gearing up to be a warm, family-friendly restaurant that's deeply ingrained in the local community. 

“Our primary goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where every customer feels right at home,” Mr di Cugno said.

“We’re not just going to be about delicious food; we’re all about creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. 

“That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’ll be featuring live music to enhance visitor’s dining pleasure. 

“We’ll be bringing a delightful Italian dining experience with a focus on pizza, pasta, and mouth-watering entrees. 

“Our menu is inspired by the flavours of Italy, and we’re thrilled to introduce our signature dish, the Salmon Carpaccio, which has been a beloved favourite at La Cucina.”

But that’s not all, stay tuned for special themed nights, where The Beach Shack will be serving up unique, mouth-watering dishes at affordable prices. 

“As a testament to our commitment to the local community, we’ll be offering a special deal on food and live music to celebrate the opening of our new restaurant,” Mr di Cugno added. “We can't wait to connect with and serve our wonderful community.”

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