Irish hospitality is set to return to a Sunshine Coast beach district after a $2 million overhaul of a renowned venue.
Foxy Malone’s will be officially opened late this month, after the transformation of the former O’Malley’s Irish Pub site on the Mooloolaba Esplanade.
O’Malley’s was one of the Sunshine Coast’s much-loved pubs for more than 20 years before it closed in October.
Foxy Malone’s signals a new chapter, bringing live music, investment and about 50 new jobs to the region, while boosting the local economy.
Brisbane-based Hallmark Hospitality has breathed fresh life into the venue, signing a 25-year lease and delivering an extensive refurbishment designed to create a vibrant new-generation Irish pub.
Hallmark Hospitality director Cade Hopman said the group saw potential in the venue and region.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the most exciting lifestyle destinations in Australia and we saw a real opportunity to create something that locals could genuinely make their own but also become a destination pub for Mooloolaba visitors,” he said.
“There’s a lot of nostalgia attached to this site, so it was important for us to respect that history while also creating a fresh new experience that brings people together.”
As one of only a small number of dedicated Irish pubs on the Sunshine Coast, Foxy Malone’s is expected to fill a unique space in the region’s hospitality scene, combining traditional Irish local with relaxed coastal energy.
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The venue marks Hallmark Hospitality’s first Sunshine Coast venture, with the group already well-known for delivering over 15 hospitality destinations across South-East Queensland including Finn McCool’s Irish Bar, Lefty’s Music Hall, Hey Chica and Retros.
The redesign of the space is the work of Queensland-based Space Cubed Design Studio, the creative force behind Brisbane venues Donna Chang and its sibling bar Boom Boom Room, Tax Office, Fish Lane’s Southside, and Soak Bathhouse at West Village.
Space Cubed director Arran Woollams said the vision for Foxy Malone’s was to honour the character and nostalgia of a traditional Irish pub while creating a fresh, contemporary venue designed for conversation and live music.
“The design combines rich, warm colours and natural materials with softer industrial lighting to create a space that feels welcoming, lively and full of character,” he said.
“Deep greens and warm brown tones reflect Irish heritage, while rich timbers, stone cladding and timber beams evoke the charm of a traditional Irish pub.
“Celtic-inspired motifs, traditional signage and layered design details have been thoughtfully woven throughout the venue, while a mix of communal tables, banquette seating, cosy booths, a traditional snug and lounge areas by the fire have all been designed to encourage conversation, connection and relaxed catch-ups.”
Foxy Malone’s will feature live music four nights a week, with a varied entertainment program spanning acoustic performers, traditional Irish music, local bands and fun favourites.
It will also offer pub dining, live sports, pool tables and interactive darts.
The arrival of Foxy Malone’s comes amid a new wave of investment transforming Mooloolaba’s beachfront, including a foreshore revitalisation project.
“Opening celebrations across the launch weekend will feature live Irish music, great food, excellent Guinness, of course, and immersive experiences designed to capture the spirit of Irish ‘craic’: the joy of good company, conversation and unforgettable nights out,” Mr Hopman said.
Festivities will include an official VIP launch party and an opportunity to go in the draw to win a trip to Ireland.
