Spinifex Brewing Co pop-up to open at iconic Zookeeper’s Store after Sydney Cove Oyster Bar pulls plug

Up-and-coming locally owned brewer Spinifex Brewing Co. will capitalise on the sudden closure of Sydney Cove Oyster Bar, taking over the prime Zookeeper’s store location with a pop-up venue for the 2023 season. Scheduled to open in March, the company will establish a 150 patron capacity “family friendly” venue at the site after Sydney Cove Oyster Bar suddenly closed its doors in October. The venue is situated almost directly across the road from the Spinifex Brewing Co Cable Beach Alehouse, which received approval earlier this month, with patrons able to watch the construction progress while sitting at the pop-up bar. Visitors to the venue will be treated to cuisine expertly prepared by familiar faces, with former Sydney Cove Oyster Bar owner-operator Phillip Thompson joining the Spinifex team as general manager of hospitality. It’s a move Mr Thompson said was a “great fit” for both businesses moving forward. “After two amazingly successful seasons in Broome the team and I decided to close Sydney Cove Oyster Bar and see what other opportunities arose,” he said. “A chance meeting with CEO Adam Barnard who outlined his vision for the company going forward and it seemed like a great fit for both of us. “Obviously, I have great staffing connections in Broome and Sydney, and I was excited by the prospect of pulling them back together as the new venues are launched. Once my job was locked in, I put the word out to all our ex-staff, and I’m pleased to say several them are very keen to continue working with me and the exciting new ventures that lie ahead.” Familiar to many Broome locals, “Zookeepers” is a nod to the original venue name, operated by Willie Creek Pearls for a number of years. Willie Creek Pearls chief executive Paul Birch said the company were “delighted” to see Spinifex Brewing Co take over the location. SBco. chief executive Adam Barnard said securing the venue and the expertise of Mr Thompson was a major coup for the company. “We are determined to create a vibrant and unique restaurant offering in this dynamic location for locals and visitors, at the same time building a significant hospitality team ready to transfer straight into the Spinifex Ale House Cable Beach just up the road, later in the year,” he said. The pop-up plans to open on March 17, 2023.