An 18-year-old has teamed up with his mum to open a new sports bar on the Coast, combining his lifelong passion with a newfound venture into hospitality.
Urban Sports Bar has opened at 13 The Esplanade, Maroochydore, with Taj Burke and his mother Francine Burke behind the family-run business.
The location was previously home to TEP & Co Bar & Bistro, a casual restaurant and bar that closed in 2024.
Ms Burke said sport had been a major part of her son’s life from a young age and the new venue had given him an opportunity to turn that enthusiasm into a business.
“Taj’s love of sport was a big part of the inspiration,” she said.
“We saw an opportunity to create a sports bar that brings people together in a relaxed, energetic and welcoming environment.
“We wanted somewhere people could come with friends and family, watch the big games, enjoy good food and drinks and have a great time.
“Maroochydore felt like the perfect place to do that, with such a great local community as well as visitors coming into the area.”
While live sport is central to the venue, Ms Burke said customers did not need to be dedicated sports fans to enjoy the bar.
“It’s somewhere you can come for a meal, have a few drinks, catch up with friends or simply enjoy the atmosphere,” she said.
The family-run nature of the business is also central to the pair’s vision for the venue.
“We want customers to feel that personal connection when they visit,” Ms Burke said.
The response from the community since opening has been encouraging, with the business continuing to take on feedback as it establishes itself.
“It’s been great seeing people come through the doors, experience the venue and support a new local business,” she said.
“For Taj especially, being only 18 and seeing people embrace something he has worked hard to help create has been incredibly rewarding.
“We’re still new and learning every day, so we’re listening to our customers and their feedback and will continue developing Urban Sports Bar into somewhere the community really enjoys coming to.”
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The venue currently employs six staff members and is looking to expand its team across front-of-house and back-of-house roles.
On the menu, Ms Burke said burgers and wings had proved particularly popular since opening, while beer, wine and cocktails had also been a “hit”.
The atmosphere during live sporting events had also become a key part of the experience.
“There’s something special about watching a big game surrounded by other people who are just as excited about it, and that’s exactly the atmosphere we want Urban Sports Bar to be known for,” Ms Burke said.
Urban Sports Bar will be screening the 2026 NRL Grand Final, which kicks off at 6.30pm on October 4.
