Ricks Garage

Nestled in the quaint town of Palmwoods, Ricks Garage has been one of Queensland hospitality's great success stories. The venue has history that dates back to 1922, when it began life as a mechanical workshop. For more than eight decades it endured as a local mechanic and service station, until owners Rick and Lisa Jamieson purchased the then-named Palmwoods Auto Care on May 1, 2003. A change in environmental laws forced Rick and Lisa to shut down the fuel station. The main source of income was removed, and the business was at a crossroads. Instead of giving up, Rick and Lisa breathed new life into the venue; in 2009, Palmwoods Auto Care became Ricks Garage. The workshop became a diner, the mechanic's scrapyard a beer garden, and the adjoining video store a room for retro memorabilia. The change in direction struck a chord with locals, and the venue soon became one of the Sunshine Coast's must-see attractions. Today, diners travel far and wide to enjoy amazing burgers, cold beer, and a trip back through time. In 2016, the three bedroom unit upstairs was converted into a American themed-whiskey bar, boasting more than 110 whiskeys from around the world. With the renovation, the seating capacity has been increased to 340, and a Sunday lunch regularly sees the venue at a maximum. Despite the success of its hospitality arm, Ricks Garage has not lost touch with its mechanical roots. A modern, purpose-built workshop was built downstairs, and continues to service and restore cars to this day. Ricks Garage remains a family-owned business with more than 60 employees, and is gaining an ever-increasing presence across Australia and New Zealand.