Victorian ‘eatertainery’ makes interstate debut in Ipswich’s transformed Nicholas Street Precinct
11 November 2024
Ipswich has scored a major coup, securing Queensland’s very first General Public, a fun-fuelled ‘Eatertainery’ that has made its mark in Victoria and is now set to become a game-changing addition to the Sunshine State.
Ipswich’s award-winning Nicholas Street Precinct continues to raise the bar as the city’s premier lifestyle, leisure, and entertainment destination, welcoming General Public’s thrilling blend of fun, food, and nostalgia into the heart of Ipswich.
General Public founder and director Harry Kourbeis said the brand’s goal was simple – create a space where everyone can dive into the fun together.
“Whether you’re knocking down pins, trying your hand at darts, or just kicking back with friends, we’ve got something for everyone,” Kourbeis said.
Boasting an impressive 14-lane bowling alley, over 70 state-of-the-art arcade games, interactive golf simulators, pool tables, and auto-scoring electronic darts, General Public is set to become the heartbeat of Ipswich’s social scene, opening in the same building as global movie giant HOYTS.
“Our city has not seen anything like this before,” Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said.
“HOYTS and General Public will make the centre of the city an absolute entertainment drawcard.
“It’s another example of how the Nicholas Street Precinct is attracting more and more visitors to our city centre, from its current 1.5 million visitors a year to an estimated 3 million.
“It’s a clear sign of the city’s ongoing transformation, as the Nicholas Street Precinct becomes one of the premier leisure, entertainment and cultural destinations in the south-east,” Mayor Harding said.
Kourbeis said General Public had been searching for the right partner and the perfect location to bring its brand to a new market.
“When we saw the incredible transformation happening at Nicholas Street Precinct, and the chance to open alongside HOYTS Cinemas in this buzzing new destination, it was an absolute no-brainer. We knew it was time to bring our unique brand of fun to Queensland.”
Thrills and friendly competition are guaranteed at General Public, as is an elevated food and beverage experience that sets this ‘eatertainery’ apart from other arcade venues.
“From double smash burgers to irresistible pizzas, seasonal salads and generous share plates, there’s no shortage of mouth-watering options to fuel your fun,” Kourbeis said.
“We’re serious about the food here. We’ve curated a menu that’s fresh, playful, and packed with flavour, because we believe good times should be paired with great food.”
Infused with nostalgia and excitement, General Public’s retro atmosphere draws from a deep appreciation of vintage style, perfectly complementing Nicholas Street’s harmonious mix of historical charm and forward-thinking design.
“There’s something magical about bringing those old-school vibes to life in a fresh, modern way,” Kourbeis said.
“It reminds people of a simpler time, a happy time, and that’s exactly the kind of experience we want to create.”
With a capacity of 380, General Public is ready to host events of all kinds, whether it’s a birthday bash, a team outing or end of year celebrations.
General Public is open from 8 November at Nicholas Street Precinct. For more information, visit generalpublic.com.au