The owners of Stokehouse in Melbourne will hand over the reins of the St Kilda dining room to McAndrew McConnell and Jo McGann.
The current operators – Frank, Sharon, and Hugh van Haandel – have run the venue for 36 years, and describe McConnell and McGann as their restaurant peers and long-time friends.
McConnell, the chef behind Gimlet, says he and McGann feel incredibly privileged to become the next custodians of Stokehouse.
“It’s played such a pivotal role in shaping the city’s hospitality landscape,” says McConnell.
“Its reputation for exceptional food, warm service, and memorable experiences in Melbourne’s best restaurant location has earned it a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. There is nowhere else like Stokehouse.”
The pair will take the helm of the St Kilda venue in October, working alongside the existing Stokehouse team to ensure a seamless transition through the busy summer period. They plan to make a “carefully considered” refresh of the restaurants in 2027.
McConnell has worked alongside Frank and Sharon during his career, sharing many of the same values around hospitality, people, and long-term stewardship. He credits the prolonged success of the venue to the existing leadership team of Hugh van Haandel, Executive Chef Jason Staudt, General Manager Lee Smith, and Head Sommelier Will Martin.
“Our intention is not to change what makes Stokehouse special,” he says. “We have enormous respect for its history and for the team that has helped shape it. We’re inheriting strong foundations, and we’re committed to investing in its future while preserving the qualities and the people that have made it so well loved.”
Frank van Haandel says St Kilda beach is one of Melbourne’s greatest assets and going to the beach each day for the past 36 years has been a gift.
“Over this time we’ve formed lifelong friendships with staff, customers, and suppliers, and I’ve taken tremendous pride in watching talented young people develop and go on to thrive in their own ventures,” he says.
“We’ve built a venue that is truly cross-generational. Everyone has a story at Stokehouse.”
When the venue was destroyed by a fire in 2014, van Haandel says they rebuilt with a commitment to championing sustainability throughout the design and construction, through to the day-to-day operations.
“We created a five-star green-rated building that is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s architecturally and aesthetically striking, and it’s a building that will stand for 100 years, a legacy I am proud of,” he says.
“With the current team, the Stokehouse is the best it’s ever been. It’s the quintessential Australian seaside restaurant, and I couldn’t hand it to better people than Andrew and Jo.”
For exclusive hospitality news every Tuesday and Thursday, subscribe here or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.