Restaurant heavyweights Craig Hall and Adrian Chrisanthou have opened their latest Sunshine Coast venture on the site of a well-known former bakery.
The duo are no strangers to Sunshine Coast success, operating Green Zebra at Kawana and Tziki Bar in Forest Glen. Now, they’re turning their attention to “premium fast casual” Greek eats.
Stav’s Kantina opened its doors this week in the former La Maison du Patissier space in Meridan Plains.
“We see a gap in the market for a premium fast casual offering focusing on fresh, healthy, value-for-money and moreish options,” they told Sunshine Coast News.
“We have a genuine passion for food, creating dishes that keep our customers coming back for more.”
The menu is a celebration of modern Greek cuisine with a “kick-ass twist”. Everything is produced on site – from 12-hour slow-roast lamb shoulder to chargrilled signature marinated chicken – with the exception of pita bread.
“Everything from our salads, bowls, yiros and souvlakis are done with a unique twist and signature recipes,” they said.
“We are respecting classic recipes but giving them a Stav’s twist to make them uniquely ours.”
They said the eatery – which features a ‘cheeky donkey’ as its brand ambassador – had several hero dishes people should try.
“Our roast beetroot taramasalata is simply divine. Both styles of our yiros are delicious, and our bowls are moreish and healthy,” they said.
“We also cannot forget about our Greek sweets or homemade Greek donuts.”
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The pair is already planning to expand the Stav’s brand. In December they will open Stavros Restaurant and Bar, a larger Greek-inspired venue at the former Groove Train site in Kawana Shoppingworld.
“The intention is to grow the brand aggressively focusing on AAA sites from Brisbane to Noosa,” Craig said.
The duo’s hospitality experience spans more than two decades.
“Starting in 2001 we have extensive experience operating and owning successful high-end restaurants, cafes and pizzerias both in Australia and in London,” they said.
The space at Meridan Plains has undergone a full transformation since they took it over at the beginning of last month, with the duo crediting designer Kristen Calle from Cab Roto and Tim Jaremus from Onesto Group for the fit-out.
“We have a long-standing relationship with both Tim and Kristen who have looked after our other venues on the Coast. We took over the property at the beginning of September,” they said.
The choice of Meridan Plains was strategic.
“We see an opportunity in the growth corridor with existing population, little competition, close to the hospital and high population in a 10km radius,” they said.
“We feel this is great fit for our concept and, as Sunshine Coast locals, we know that there is increasing demand for different flavours and food offerings.”
The atmosphere reflects the menu – energetic, modern and Mediterranean-inspired – with multiple dining areas to suit families, casual diners and those seeking a quick takeaway.
“We are striving for a fast casual dining experience that is relaxing and embodies the Mediterranean spirit,” they said.
“The concept is affordable and designed to be enjoyed many times a week. We hope guests will be blown away by the value and quality of what we have to offer.”
Stav’s Kantina is at Shop 3, 5 Forest Park Street, Meridan Plains. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 8pm, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
