Daniel Ridgeway

 

Like many of the world’s greats, his inspiration for cooking stems from fond young memories in the kitchen. He was first introduced to the kitchen at age seven, cooking alongside his Thai Aunty preparing banquets as well as helping in his family’s traditional pizza restaurant after school.

 

At 14, Daniel started in his first professional kitchen and at 15 began his apprenticeship at a five-star international resort where his passion for cooking flourished. After working in London at Michelin star restaurants including The Square at Mayfair London, Daniel headed to Vancouver and worked with award winning Chef David Hawkesworth at West Restaurant. He then returned to Australia to take a position with well-known Melbourne chefs including Andrew McConnell. Daniel was then requested to return to the Gold Coast to open Sofitel Gold Coast’s signature restaurant, Room81 and soon became Executive Chef for Sofitel Broadbeach. However his career swiftly progressed when he was asked to relaunch the luxurious JW Marriott in Khao lak Thailand. When he finally returned home to Australia at 28, he became the youngest Executive Chef at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth – and indeed within the international brand worldwide.

 

Over the years Daniel had developed his own sought-after flair with food, gaining a myriad of industry recognition and restaurant success beyond his years. It was then time to fulfil his lifelong dream of starting his own culinary empire starting with Little Truffle Dining Room & Bar which open in 2010. The fine dining restaurant has won numerous awards including the Gold Coast Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best European Restaurant Australia and hats with the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide and Good Food Guide Queensland.

Following the success of Little Truffle Dining Room and Bar, the BiN Bar & Dining brand was created with the first location in Burleigh in 2013 titled BiN 12. The Ridgeway Group headed by Daniel & Ruggie Ridgeway now own and operate three notable restaurants - Little Truffle, BiN 232 & PBA, with sister company Ridgeway Catering offering premium food, beverage & service to wedding, corporate events & beyond. 

 

Ruggie Ridgeway

Born in North Carolina, Ruggie combines her Marketing and Communications prowess with a passion for corporate event planning and astute business acumen to oversee the operations and expansion of the Ridgeway Group. 

 

Having worked abroad for over seven years, Ruggie fell in love with the Gold Coast when she landed on our golden shores. It was then that Ruggie and Daniel first crossed paths as she was working at QT Gold Coast as the restaurant supervisor and Daniel was a regular customer.

 

Over the years it became apparent that the pair shares a love of food, travel and a drive for business success. Ruggie played a pivotal role as business partner in the conception, design and implementation of the BiN Bar & Dining Brand, Ridgeway Catering & the newest venue PBA.

 

Daniel & Ruggie were married in 2015 and are now focused on further developing The Ridgeway Group and expanding quality venues all over the Gold Coast and beyond, things have never looked bigger or brighter for this amazing couple and their ever evolving empire.