With 11 venues already thriving and a twelfth on the way, Michael Tassis has cemented his place as one of Queensland’s most dynamic and prolific restaurateurs, according to goldcoastbulletin.com.au.
The 44-year-old father of three began his journey in hospitality at just nine years old, buttering garlic bread in his family’s Gold Coast restaurant. After training as a chef and working his way through kitchens across the state, Tassis eventually branched out on his own.
His first independent venture, George’s Paragon at Brisbane’s now-demolished Eagle Street Pier, set the stage for a series of successful venues that helped redefine the city’s dining scene. His portfolio now includes Massimo, Opa, Fatcow, Rich & Rare, Longwang, Yamas, Stilts, Mulga Bill’s, Fosh, Dark Shepherd, and Pompette — each with its own distinct flavour and style.
Next on his list is Aunty, a contemporary Asian restaurant in Fortitude Valley, which continues his signature blend of quality, creativity, and atmosphere. But for Tassis, the work never stops — he’s always chasing the next “opportunity.”
Beyond his restaurants, Tassis has expanded into the beverage industry as co-owner of the popular alcohol brands Ariane and Sunny Days Distillery, whose products are now stocked in over 5000 venues across Australia.
From buttering bread to building an empire, Michael Tassis embodies the entrepreneurial spirit driving Queensland’s culinary renaissance.
Source: goldcoastbulletin.com.au