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The Coro Team
Jack Zappala - Owner
As one of Australias most respected businessmen, Queenslander Jack Zappalas new business venture THE CORO, heralds an investment of passion.
It marks a new era of business for the unassuming Brisbane based entrepreneur who over the past 30 years has managed to create not one, but two of Australias most recognisable electrical groups.
In 1969, Jack established Queenslands seriously successful electrical groups Haymans Electrical and in 1990 founded what has become Australias largest independent wholesaling company, Ideal Electrical. In 1971, Jack then turned his hand to the world of property development establishing the Zappala family business.
Now in 2006, Jack is ablaze all over again about a bold new business endeavour that has tongues wagging amongst the corporate highfliers who once shared in his love of the original Coro. Jacks vision was to build a restaurant destination of international acclaim in Brisbane that will also reignite his passion for a much loved Brisbane dining institution, The Coro.
The Coro is a restaurant and bar destination that has been tailor made to provide an unforgettable experience that will put Brisbane onto the international map as a destination to come and relax, dine, entertain or party.
True to Zappalas experienced business acumen he invited hospitality veteran Geoff Lewis to develop and share his vision. Combined with the expertise of Lewis, the duo has together enticed some of the top names in hospitality to join the family at The Coro.
For Zappala, who reserved the same table for lunch every Thursday for nearly 30 years at the original Coro restaurant, It is a dream come true!
Chris Willis - General Manager
Feedback welcomed chris.willis@thecoro.com
Chris is an experienced General Manager with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. After completing university in Bendigo Victoria, Chris spent 8 years with Austotel/ALH before becoming the General Manager of The Cheers Tavern Group between 2001 and 2006.
Upon the sale of the Cheers Tavern Group Chris went on an extended holiday with his young family before returning to take a interim contract as the General Manager of The Acacia Ridge Function & Convention Centre. After a 6 month contract was finished Chris set up Frontline Hospitality Recruitment as part of the Frontline Recruitment Group.
Chris was contracted to recruit a General Manager for The Coro Hotel by Jack Zappala. At the end of the process Jack made Chris an offer to good to refuse and Chris left Frontline Recruitment Group and became the General Manager of the Coro Hotel.
Chris began in July 2007 and looks forward to seeing the business thrive and grow under his guidance.
Andrew Pont - Executive Chef
Andrew Pont is one of Australia's leading and most widely travelled chefs with international experience in over 12 countries at Exec Chef Level. Andrew has recently been involved in the opening and startup operations of 2 of Brisbane's most well known hotels and holds a very stable and successful background.
Andrew has a passion to create the highest quality food and is quite often experimenting with different sauces, spices and flavours to be setting the standards in quality cuisine.
Joshua Bibby - Assistant Manager
Dani Southwell - Functions & Events Coordinator
Amy Hodder - Dual Sous Chef
Rebecca Warren-Halliday - Dual Sous Chef
