Chris Lucas to open new Hong Kong-inspired restaurant

Chris Lucas, founder of the Lucas Collective, is pushing forward with a bold expansion of his hospitality empire, unveiling plans for a new Melbourne restaurant inspired by his experiences across Asia.

Speaking with The Connector host Belinda Coates, Lucas highlighted how the venue draws on the cultural fusion of colonial-era Hong Kong, blending atmosphere, design and cuisine into a single immersive experience.

Alongside this, he will also open a Greek restaurant at 435 Bourke Street, positioned at the base of the new Seabus tower development.

Lucas says the strategy is about more than just food, arguing that vibrant dining precincts are essential to bringing life back into city centres beyond traditional business hours.

He believes modern urban developments increasingly rely on hospitality offerings to create energy, connection and long-term appeal, with dining becoming a key driver of foot traffic and cultural engagement in cities like Melbourne.

Looking ahead, Lucas is also eyeing international expansion, with ambitions to take his hospitality concepts into markets such as the Middle East and London.

Despite rising labour and ingredient costs, he remains confident in strong demand for luxury “escapism” dining experiences. He also hinted at future rural “gate-to-plate” projects, as the next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs continue to reshape the boundaries of modern dining.