Soul Business with Marble Bar
Two decades of bold flavours and genuine connections define The Marble Bar’s legacy. John Caruso stops by for unforgettable stories and a perfectly crafted pint.
For 20 years, Marble Bar & Bistro has been a cornerstone of Sunshine Beach’s social scene, thanks to the dedication and spirit of its owner, Craig Prasser.
Celebrating this milestone isn’t just about the longevity of a local bar, but about the stories, friendships, and community spirit fostered along the way.
Craig’s roots run deep in small business, having grown up in a family enterprise in Gympie.
“Dad was always involved in town events, elephant races when the circus came through, go-kart races down the main street,” Craig recalls. “That hands-on approach to engaging people has shaped the way I run Marble Bar.”
His father’s flair for connecting with people left an indelible mark.
“He could have sold ice to an Eskimo,” Craig laughs. “That gift of the gab is something I think I inherited.”
From managing a Pizza Hut store as a young man to navigating the challenges of owning a small bar, Craig has earned a reputation for hard work and sharp business acumen.
“You’ve got to keep your finger on the pulse,” he says. “Whether I’ve got the day off or not, I’m here nearly every day, checking on things, training staff, and making sure every dish is consistent.”
This meticulousness extends to the bar’s kitchen, now led by Brazilian Charles Bennett, who started as a kitchen hand and is now head chef.
“Charles is fantastic, calm and professional, bringing fresh ideas, especially South American flavours,” Craig says.
Dishes like Moreton Bay bug rolls with lemon thyme mayonnaise; Seared Scallops with pickled ginger, wakami and wasabi mayo; and Glazed Pork Belly with jalapenos, pineapple & goats cheese are firm favourites that showcase the bar’s versatile menu.
Forty Duke Street is famed not just for its food and drink but for the atmosphere Craig has cultivated.
“It’s a small, cosy environment where you’re almost encouraged to chat with the person next to you. I know what all the regulars drink off the top of my head. It’s like a scene from Cheers,” he laughs.
And it’s more than just a place to unwind. Marble Bar has been at the centre of many milestones. Craig met his wife, Andrea, right here in 2008, and they married a year later. Their son, Owen, was born amid the challenges of COVID when the bar closed temporarily, an unusual but necessary pause.
“We had three and a half months off, which turned into a good reset,” he says. “When we reopened, we were ready to hit the ground running.”
Twenty years is not without its challenges, but Craig focuses on the positive.
“The good times are fantastic. The tough times just test how you handle things,” he says.
Surviving the global financial crisis and COVID, navigating staff shortages, and managing rising costs all demanded resilience and adaptability.
“You watch every penny, and you’ve got to move with the times and keep your business sustainable,” he says.
Beyond the bar, Craig plays a vital role in nurturing local events. He was instrumental in launching the Sunshine Beach Village Festival, which ran for two successful years. He speaks with warmth about the annual memorial held at the bar to honour a local who passed away.
“It brings people together in a way that only a small venue like ours can,” he says with an outlook on the future that is hopeful.
Approaching his 50th birthday, he’s planning a gradual step back to working fewer days while maintaining the quality and atmosphere his patrons expect.
“I’d like to bring in a duty manager to run the day-to-day, and I could do two or three days a week,” he says. “If that works, I’ll happily keep going for another 10 years.”
When asked about advice for aspiring hospitality operators, Craig is candid: “Prospective businesspeople think they can sit out front with their friends and wine and dine while staff run the place. It’s not like that.
“You’ve got to be 100% committed,” he stresses, adding the importance of knowing costs, staff, and customers intimately.
Looking back, it’s clear that Marble Bar’s success isn’t down to luck but a blend of passion, savvy, and building genuine connections with patrons.
“It’s all about people,” he admits. “I live it, breathe it. Sometimes I can’t sleep at night because I’m thinking about what I can do next. This business is in my soul.”
Craig extends a heartfelt invitation to all: “If you haven’t dropped in yet, come by for a coldie. You won’t just get a drink, you’ll find good conversation, great food, and a place that’s been part of the Sunshine Beach fabric for 20 years.”
Here’s to Marble Bar & Bistro, celebrating two decades of stories told over a perfectly-poured pint – with many more to come!
WANT MORE?
Download the interview with Craig from our podcast.
