Deborah Friend
HOG’S Breath Café Airlie Beach is turning 35 on Thursday (July 4) and is celebrating with a revitalisation to the much-loved restaurant.
Hog’s Breath Australia was started in Airlie Beach, in 1989, and the first ever Hogs Breath Café was originally located in premises further down the Main Street, just by the taxi rank.
Soon outgrowing this space, the café moved to its current premises at the ‘top’ of the Airlie main street, a few years later, and remains the first ever Hogs Breath Café in Australia.
Now, 35 years later, new owners have stepped in with big plans to reinvigorate the cafe to its ‘former glory’, much loved by locals.
The new owners have a secret weapon up their sleeves and, that is, they both have extensive experience running Hogs Breath Cafés!
Hog’s Breath Cafe veterans Jean-Paul ‘JP’ Afflick and Adam Zakharoff are leading the revitalisation efforts and are gearing up to breathe fresh life into the iconic restaurant and flagship cafe of the brand.
JP, a former owner of Hog’s Breath Cafe Byron Bay, is returning to the scene after a hiatus spent raising a family and achieving land speed records worldwide on two wheels.
JP is the world land speed record holder on a 100 C.C. bike, having ridden 211 kms/hr, in Utah (USA) in 2021.
Adam, meanwhile, ventured across the globe, managing restaurants in Vietnam before COVID-19 prompted his return to Australia, and ultimately to reopen Hog’s Breath, Cairns, in February 2023.
Starting from July 1, JP and Adam have plans to rewind the clock and bring the ‘good times’ back to the very first Hog’s Breath Cafe.
“Much has changed over the past three decades, both globally and within Hogs Breath Cafe, but one thing remains constant: People want great steak, excellent service, and a place to relax and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere,” JP said.
“We have lots of plans for the restaurant, including revitalising the front bar area, keeping the doors open all day, and bringing back happy hour, from 4pm to 6pm, with drink cards, members’ draws and great vibes, as well as bringing back TV screens for the sport.”
Hog’s Breath has always held a special place in both JP’s and Adam’s hearts, with deep ties to Airlie Beach and the original owner Don Algie, who has returned to lead the Hog’s franchise system, alongside Ginger White.
“Over the past 25 years, we’ve greatly enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Airlie Beach, as well as thrilling Race Weeks, and the local gems for dining and entertainment,” JP said.
“We’re both very excited to reconnect with old pals and forge new friendships, so come in and see us.”
The birthday party starts at 6pm on Thursday (July 4) with live music and nibblies – everyone welcome.
About Hog’s Breath Cafe
Founded 35 years ago, there are 28 family-owned and operated Hog’s Breath Cafe’s across Australia.
Known for its signature 18-hour slow-cooked prime rib and curly fries, Hog’s Breath Cafe offers a dining experience characterised by exceptional ‘Hog’spitality’ and a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
HBC Management bought the Hogs Breath Café franchise system from HBCA, in October 2020, and is now wholly owned by original Hog’s Breath Cafe owners Don Algie and Ginger White.
Hog’s Breath locations:
QUEENSLAND
Cleveland, Garden City, Logan, Morayfield, Springfield, Ipswich, Surfers Paradise, Caloundra, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Rockhampton, Townsville (Cannon Park), Cairns
NEW SOUTH WALES
Penrith, St Marys, Nelson Bay (Newcastle), Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga
VICTORIA
Mildura, Traralgon
TASMANIA
Hobart, Launceston
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Geraldton, Kelmscott.
