The Archdeacon name is synonymous with the Southern Gold Coast food and hospitality scene. From Executive Chef (Dad) Steve, who has been in the business for close to four decades, to Donna (Mum) Operations Manager, to their three daughters Brie, Emily and Ali, all family members play a pivotal role in the business.
Executive Chef Steve Archdeacon began his career at Twin Towns, where he worked in a fast-paced environment. Cooking for large scale functions, he learned to adapt to all types of food and kitchens. Following a successful stint as executive chef for the Taphouse group, he decided to open his own business in 2005. Steve wanted to bring a fresh, new vibe to Coolangatta and so the D’Bar journey began.
“It was back in the day when the area really only had pubs and clubs on offer. We noticed a new generation of health-conscious diners coming through. They wanted alfresco dining with fresh, healthy menus,” says Steve.
D’Bar Café & Gallery, situated on Point Danger overlooking the famous Duranbah Beach (after which it is named), enjoys the coast’s prime whale watching position. It’s one of the most iconic eateries on the coast, bringing back retro milk bar shakes and burgers with the addition of a fresh, local menu from breakfast to lunch.
Donna Archdeacon says, “We have grown up on the coast and brought our family up here, so it made sense to develop our love of hospitality and tourism in our own backyard. Having the girls work in the business was the icing on the cake.”
After the success of D’Bar Café, the family decided to embark on a new venture under the creative direction of their eldest daughter Brie. Baskk at Kirra Point was born in 2017, a contemporary, bright space that offers an array of curated cocktails and chargrilled dishes to be enjoyed with beach views. Its sophisticated design has been welcomed by locals and visitors alike, making it the place to be as the sun sets on the weekend.
With middle daughter Emily taking a break from D’Bar to further her event management skills in London, Ali manages D’Bar House Gallery, overseeing its continuing renovation.
Although different in their offering, D’Bar and Baskk enjoy the same high standards of great food and service – the personal touch on which the Archdeacons pride themselves. From the tip of D’Bar Point to the base of Kirra Hill, this foodie family has the Southern Gold Coast covered.
NOTE: Photo of seafood credited to Baskk. Read our review of Baskk here. This article has also been published in The Sun newspaper.