2 June 2026: Toowoomba’s reputation as one of Queensland’s leading regional dining destinations has been reinforced, with The Rock Restaurant named Best Restaurant (Regional) at the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) Awards for Excellence in Brisbane last night.
The prestigious award recognises excellence in food, service and hospitality, placing The Rock among the state’s top-performing hospitality venues and delivering a major accolade for Toowoomba’s hospitality sector.
KPAT Hotels Managing Director Kenneth Wagner said the award was a proud achievement for the venue and its team.
“To be recognised as Queensland’s Best Regional Restaurant is an incredible honour and a reflection of the dedication our team brings to creating exceptional dining experiences every day,” Mr Wagner said.
“This award acknowledges the passion of our chefs, front-of-house staff and venue leadership, as well as the loyal support of our patrons and the broader Toowoomba community.
“Toowoomba has long been home to outstanding hospitality operators, and we’re proud to fly the flag for the region on a state stage.”
Located in the heart of the city, The Rock has built a reputation for delivering a contemporary dining experience, quality food and beverages, and genuine hospitality in a modern setting.
The award also reflects the impact of Executive Chef Angelo Velante, who joined The Rock and has refined the menu with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce. His menu refresh, introduced in early 2026, has been warmly received by guests and has played a significant role in elevating the venue’s dining experience.
Mr Wagner said the award was recognition of the team’s ongoing commitment to delivering a premium and consistently high-quality experience for every guest.
“Hospitality is about making people feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door,” he said.
“We’ve invested heavily in our people, our offering and our venue, and it’s rewarding to see those efforts recognised by the industry’s peak body.”
Originally established in 1911 as The Gladstone Hotel, The Rock continues to honour its rich history while providing a modern hospitality experience for locals and visitors alike.
The Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence are regarded as the state’s premier hospitality awards program, celebrating outstanding achievement across restaurants, accommodation, entertainment, customer service and hotel operations.
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Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
