The gateway into Mullum at the Station St roundabout has been noticeably different in recent months with the face of what was once the Poinciana, and then Flock, getting a bit of a reno.
The venue will soon open its doors as La Familia, a locally owned and operated Mexican restaurant and bar.
Since the closure of Flock in 2020, there has been much musing about what will happen on the once-popular site.
Jack Wright, owner of Hooper’s in Brunswick Heads, has announced that he will soon be unveiling his second local venture.
Jack, born and bred in Mullum, went to school in town and has always lived and worked in the Byron Shire. He hopes to open the doors of La Familia at Easter this year. ‘I’m very excited about La Familia,’ said Jack. ‘I love Mexican food, and I’m a huge fan of the shared-plate, family-and-friends vibe that’s connected to that culture. Hooper’s in Bruns has been a real family affair and we plan for La Familia to be an extension of that.’
La Familia’s menu will offer a mix of classics with some more authentic and interesting dishes. The venue will provide a wide range of cocktails and drinks, too.
Jack says that although he’s aware that many people have been wondering what’s going on behind the fence, and many are keen to get back to the venue, 2020 wasn’t a great year to rush in or cut corners.
‘COVID-19 presented many challenges for the hospitality industry in 2020, to say the least,’ says Jack. ‘With La Familia, we always wanted to ensure we got everything perfect and to open at a time that was right, while making sure Hooper’s kept on track too. Our focus now is on opening a fun, inviting, family venue – one that values our local community and, similar to Hooper’s, gives back where it can.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
