With more than two decades in the hospitality industry managing some of Australia’s largest venues, Wes Thompson knows exactly what brings people back to a great establishment. While quality food, coffee and cocktails certainly matter, he believes it’s less about what’s on the menu and more about how people are made to feel.
The owner of the popular Jericho restaurant at Moffat Beach has brought that philosophy to Golden Beach with the opening of Torque Eat Drink, a unique motorsport-themed café and bar where genuine hospitality is at the forefront of every customer experience.
Together with business partners Darrian and Jo, Wes has transformed the former café site into a welcoming community space serving New York deli-style sandwiches, quality coffee and local beverages.
“The hospitality industry has lost its way in a lot of places,” he said. “For me, hospitality is exactly what the word says it is – looking after people.”
After years leading large hospitality teams across Australia, Wes says creating a positive workplace culture remains his number one priority.
“Our staff are the ones creating the experience every day. If they are happy, respected and supported, that flows directly through to our customers.”
Torque proudly supports local suppliers wherever possible, featuring products from Queensland distilleries, local breweries and Australian wineries. The venue also serves Seven Miles Coffee, a long-time favourite of Wes’s.
The café’s motorsport-inspired theme reflects Wes’s lifelong passion for racing and Formula One, with personal memorabilia and stories displayed throughout the venue.
Looking ahead, Torque plans to introduce regular live music sessions and community-focused events, with Wes encouraging locals to support both the venue and local performers.
“If people support it, we’ll keep doing it. And if our staff enjoy coming to work and locals leave smiling, then we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do.”
Torque is now open at 3/54 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach.
Images: Julie Forster, Creative Earth Studio
