The iconic Gambaro family name is synonymous globally with the highest quality seafood in Queensland and Australia – and over 70 years of consistent, multi award-winning hospitality experiences, across a range of venues and cuisines.
The Gambaro Group is a major supporter of the community, with over $5 Million raised for The Courier Mail Children’s Fund – through annual fund-raising charity events – The Gambaro Mud Crab Cup, and the Gambaro Taittinger Champagne Ball. The family also partners with the Wesley Hospital for their annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Lunch, and recently raisied over $300,000 at the 2023 event, to support Prostate Cancer Research.
The Gambaro Group is dedicated to showcasing the high quality of locally-sourced, sustainable seafood, beef, and fresh produce from Queensland and across Australia. In addition to this, the Group has an unending commitment to employing and training both local and international staff to the highest levels, with the newly established Gambaro Training Academy – to ensure the future of quality hospitality in Brisbane and beyond.
Historical Timeline
Gambaro Group is proud of its heritage and the family history on which it is built. We are equally excited about the hospitality and restaurant venues we have launched to date, as we are about the future venues we have planned for our customers. Below is a summary of some of our key historical milestones, and upcoming projects.
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Michele Gambaro
Michele Gambaro was born in Falerna, Calabria in Italy.
Family settles in Australia
Michele moves to Australia at age 13 and settles in Brisbane by age 16. Caxton St shop purchased in 1953.
First Caxton St Restaurant
The Gambaro Family opens first restaurant on Caxton Street, Brisbane.
Gambaro Restaurant Opens
Michele and his brother Dominic, together with their families, open the main restaurant on Caxton Street, across the road from the original site.
Restaurant undergoes major Renovations
Restaurant building renovated in time for opening of Suncorp Stadium and 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Black Hide Steakhouse Opens
Brothers John, Donny and Frank open the multi award winning Black Hide Steakhouse restaurant on Caxton Street, and later an additional restaurant in the Treasury Casino, Brisbane.
Gambaro Hotel Opens
After many years of research, planning and development, the very first Gambaro Hotel opens to the public. A luxurious, five star boutique hotel, comprising 68 rooms.
Black Hide Treasury Casino Opens
Opening of Black Hide by Gambaro, Treasury Casino Brisbane.
Persone Italian Restaurant Opens
The opening of Persone Restaurant. An award winning Italian Restaurant in the Brisbane Quarter, George Street, Brisbane with iconic views of the Brisbane River and Southbank.
Opening of Pipi’s Restaurant
Opening of Pipi’s Restaurant, Point Danger, Coolangatta.
Opening of Awaken Café
Opening of Awaken Café, Point Danger, Coolangatta.
Queen’s Wharf Restaurant
Opening of Black Hide at Queen’s Wharf, Brisbane.
Opening of Cooli Deli
Opening of Cooli Deli, at Esprit, Coolangatta.