Professionals Tamborine Mountain 
A few years ago, we covered Hickory, a popular cocktail, rib and wing bar on Tamborine Mountain, in an interview with its then-owner. Since then, Hickory has changed hands quite a few times, but its popularity hasn’t wavered in the slightest— which means it’s high time we checked in again! We had the pleasure of sitting down with Roger Ding, who’s been the owner and chef at Hickory for the past year and a half, to find out what’s going on behind the bar these days and what the adjustment period is like when taking the wheel of such a well-loved local spot.
by Kyle Hitchmough
What was your inspiration to purchase Hickory?
When I was a uni student in Brisbane, I travelled to Tamborine Mountain. Compared with Brisbane, I preferred the slower lifestyle of the mountain and I decided to try a new stage of life after I graduated. It’s not too far from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Also, nobody hates smoked meats! I had an interest in this style of cooking, and in making cocktails and serving drinks to customers. I like the atmosphere of this restaurant. After a few months, I found out it was for sale and went for it!
Have you changed anything as the new owner?
It’s still all about the slow smoked meats like briskets and ribs. A lot of customers prefer our hot wings because I buy the raw wings, I chop and cook them myself. We still serve all the cocktails and beers. We have changed some of the drinks and a few other little things like the sides on the menu, but it’s still smoked meats and alcohol! We also have some seasonal special drinks for holidays to keep things interesting.
What’s your experience been like taking over a business on the mountain?
That’s a good question! I have had to get used to the lifestyle of running a small business in a town. I deal with a lot of interesting people! We have a lot of tourists here. All of the locals I’ve met are patient and friendly. They love to have a short chat with you, and they know everything that’s going on nearby! I enjoy the atmosphere of living and running a business here.
What’s the most popular item on your menu now?
Most customers who come here the first time try the meat combo, which includes our smoked brisket, ribs and wings. These three are the most popular things on the menu and in the combo, you get them all cheaper. It’s a good choice to try for your first time here!
Have you noticed any particular trends in your clientele?
I do have a lot of regular customers who are mostly locals, though some are from nearby regions like Beaudesert or the Gold Coast. For everyone, Tamborine Mountain is a nice destination near to a lot of famous tourist attractions like Lamington National Park, the Glow Worm Caves and Curtis Falls. I have to say thank you to our locals because I feel like I have strong local support. It depends on the seasons, though. Some seasons we have a lot of tourists, whereas in summer on a really nice day people just want to go to the beach! So we get mostly locals.
What goes into the average day here for you?
I still open for dinner from Thursday to Sunday, and I have added two lunches on weekends. The lunches are only two hours per day, because the slow smoked meats take a long time to prepare. I have to come here in the morning to get the meats ready for dinner!
Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain area and community?
Yes, I live in Eagle Heights. It’s a nice community here. From my perspective, I think it’s a peaceful, slow and patient community, especially compared to a big city like Brisbane or the Gold Coast. It’s my first time trying to live in a small town since I’ve been in Australia. It’s nice for me!
What’s your favourite thing to do on the mountain?
Last year I played badminton in the local club! I have no time for that recently, but sometimes I will do a short hike through the bush here. The trails are really beautiful.
What do you think Hickory really provides to the area?
To be honest, on Tamborine Mountain, there are a lot of pretty fantastic restaurants. Each of them has their own character, their own specialties. As a small restaurant, we have to provide something special for the whole of the mountain so that when people come here, they will see how truly special it is. It makes the whole community more multicultural and more comfortable.
What do you enjoy most about doing this?
I personally enjoy making smoked meats. That’s my job, and if you do not like your job you can’t do it for long. If I go out or to the local shops, everyone is nice. You don’t need to be concerned about dealing with frustrating people. In big cities, you have to deal with a lot of different kinds of people.
What’s been your most memorable moment in your time here so far?
We held a group function here who ordered a special dinner in the restaurant for about 25 people. I opened specially on a Wednesday for this large group and gave them a set menu. When they were all finished, I had a short chat with them, and each person gave me very positive feedback. They were very complimentary to the waiters and their cocktails. That was the first time I held a small function here. It was a very nice memory, and encouraged me to hold more functions for the local community in the future. I was a little nervous! It’s hard dealing with such a big group, especially getting everyone’s food and drinks ready at the same time. But they were patient and enjoyed the food, which is the happiest thing for a chef and restaurant owner.
Do you have any other plans to change or expand anything else in the future?
I will be bringing in a wider range of beers, and maybe extending my opening hours by adding another dinner on Monday or Wednesday instead of the weekend lunches. I’m still thinking about it!
Hickory
1 MAIN ST AND WESTERN RD, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN QLD 4272
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