FIRE BABY

Fire Baby Restaurant was conceived to celebrate the primal art of cooking over fire, offering two complementary dining experiences under one roof. The vision was to create a venue where guests could enjoy the transformative flavours of fire, whether through the refined, immersive Ember kitchen or the authentic, Napoli-style Pizzeria. The Ember kitchen showcases premium cuts, seasonal produce, and fire-cooked techniques, while the Pizzeria focuses on soft, authentic Neapolitan pizza cooked to perfection. Fire Baby is the transformation of a 1987 commercial building on the northern fringe of Southport CBD into a vibrant hospitality hub. Purchased in 2020 by Dr Michael Read, the project aimed to turn a neglected structure into a dynamic dining destination while preserving its industrial character. The “powerhouse rebirth” style combines exposed brick facades, interior brick walls, double bullnose arches, and visible pipework with contemporary finishes. A central void cut through the original carpark slab forms the heart of the dining room, connecting past and present. Careful attention to detail throughout the interiors has turned the building into a welcoming space to eat, drink, and gather, while celebrating its industrial heritage. 'The Marana oven sits at the heart of our Pizzeria operations, underpinning our ability to deliver consistently high-quality, authentic pizzas service after service. Selected for its versatility, durability and exceptional performance, it heats up quickly and maintains stable, even temperatures throughout the busiest periods. Its generous cooking surface allows us to produce 12–14 pizzas at a time (depending on skill level), ensuring smooth and efficient service during both quieter evenings and high-volume trade. The oven’s even heat distribution is key to achieving the consistency we demand, while its reliability and straightforward maintenance make it a trusted long-term investment. Beyond pizza, the Marana oven also supports a wider range of cooking applications, from roasting capsicums to more adventurous dishes such as suckling pig, making it a truly versatile and indispensable centrepiece of our kitchen. Working with Marana Australia was seamless from start to finish. Their team provided expert guidance in selecting the right ovens for each kitchen concept and delivered outstanding support throughout installation and beyond. What truly set the experience apart was the hands-on approach from Marana’s Australia owner, who took the time to personally visit the venue, understand our operation, and ensure the ovens were perfectly suited to our needs.'