Owners Jim Berardo and Greg O’Brien
Planning a relaxed semi-retirement, Jim and Greg naively took over the old Palmers Restaurant in March, 1999. After attempting to register many new names at great expense (all of which had been already taken), the restaurant was born in May under the eponymous berardo’s banner.
Then the work began!
Needing more therapy to fill this semi-retirement, they then expanded to open Berardo’s on the Beach Bistro in 2002.
Still, with more energy and passion for the food and hospitality industry, they felt Noosa was unique and offered more opportunities.
In 2003, The Celebration of Australian Food and Wine-Noosastyle was inaugurated as a forum for the industry and to provide the opportunity for people to enjoy the very best Australia has to offer in one of the world’s best settings.
JIM BERARDO
“Maestro”
Owner James Berardo is a local, originally hailing from New York. He left a distinguished career as a health care executive with many of the leading medical institutions in the United States. Most recently he left his position at The New York Hospital Cornell Medical Centre to persue his lifetime dream of running a restaurant in what he says is Australia's paradise - Noosa. Jim has travelled extensively, developing a serious passion for food, wine and cultures from around the world.
He enjoys transforming all his experiences into the food, service and ambience of Berardo’s. Most importantly, Jim’s commitment to quality and excellence has not been diminished with the transition to hospitality. He believes that attention to detail within every aspect of the restaurant... the menu, service, wine and atmosphere are all paramount. They are all tantamount to offering guests the ultimate dining experience.Jim has also become very involved in community affairs and has an intense interest in the long term welfare of Noosa.
GREG O’BRIEN
“Muse”
Originally from Brisbane, where he used to practice medicine, Greg became enamoured with Noosa in the early eighties and in 1985, he built a house here where he escaped every weekend.
He has always been interested in food and was fortunate to experience and enjoy fully the revolution of cooking and dining that swept through Australia in the late sixties and seventies. Then, living overseas for six years, he was able to travel frequently and was exposed to many cultures and cuisines, being particularly addicted to the fresh produce markets and restaurants. Coming from Brisbane in the seventies, what a wonderful marvel it was to see and taste fresh asparagus and artichokes and sip a Bordeaux!
Greg is totally committed to the restaurant philosophy of great food and great service with a glass or two of good wine!
Tracy Whitbred
“Events Manager”
Despite or inspite of her post graduate English Studies Degree, Tracy has always been devoted to the hospitality industry. A very long term Noosan, she has seen Noosa develop from the seventies to what it is today. Her knowledge of the area and of dealing with all situations in the hospitality industry is undisputed. She can make your event become something very special and will always go that one step further to be sure there are no hiccups.
No matter how small or how large, your event will be absolutely memorable whether it be at berardo’s or the Bistro.
Mark Fitzgerald
“Head Chef”
Mark hails from Lord Howe Island where his family were in the hospitality industry. Hence, he grew up with a great interest in food and restaurants.
Mark moved to Sydney to do his apprenticeship at the multi-award winning The Manor House Restaurant in Balmain before moving on to the then landmark Edna’s Table Restaurant.
He did a stint as Head Chef at Gigi’s Italian Restaurant before spending four years at the iconic ‘Bambini Trust’ Restaurant.
Here, his passion for Mediterranean cuisine was truly nurtured and matured.
A sea change brought him to Noosa where he quickly gained insight into the great local produce and is excited by the challenge of Head Chef at the Bistro and developing his talent further.