Campbell Haig’s philosophy is simple – look after the community, and the community will look after you.
It’s an attitude that has served him well and meant the success of his businesses in the charming and character laden Fleurieu Peninsula town of Port Elliot.
Just a few days before Christmas 2017, Campbell opened a new restaurant in the main street – Thunderbird Restaurant and Bar.
Although only four months old, the restaurant has already made a name for itself.
Across social media platforms, people are raving about the food and highlighting the beauty of the simple yet sophisticated building which houses the wine and tapas bar.
Despite only opening months ago Campbell Haig’s Thunderbird restaurant is a hotspot in Port Elliot.
“It is a different meal option for people in the area,” Campbell says.
“One that wasn’t being offered, and it is great to see that both locals and visitors alike have embraced what we are doing.”
The restaurant has a focus on seafood and tapas. The menu is fresh and regional, with a wine list to match, focussing on local and international wines.
“We never set out to be in direct competition with anyone else,” Campbell says.
“I like to say there is always enough for everyone.”
If visitor numbers to the town over the holiday period were anything to go by, then there certainly is enough. Campbell has lived in Port Elliot for 10 years and says that the days between Christmas and New Year 2017 were the busiest he has ever seen.
“The main street was like Rundle Mall,” he says.
“The popularity of Port Elliot has definitely grown, and you can see that it has been in part to the infrastructure that has gone up around the place.
“The Southern Expressway makes it easier for people to get here, and the range of experiences and things for people to do once they arrive is helping to bring in the crowds.”
As well as the new restaurant, Campbell is also the owner of Waverley Estate, Thunderbird Wines and Vineyards and No. 58 Cellar Door and Gallery.
The businesses have each spurred the next, with the acre of vines located on the Waverley Estate property sparking an interest in the purchase of a farm with 15 acres of vineyard.
The next logical step was wine production and the opening of the cellar door and gallery. And then, of course, the restaurant.
On the boards for the Fleurieu Food Group and the Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism Board, Campbell is a strong advocate for the region, and for locals supporting locals.
“There is absolutely an economic benefit to employing local people directly and indirectly,” he says. “It keeps the money in the area and it helps to keep us all profitable.”
“The character and ambience of Port Elliot is unique.
“The town has a charm which is very different to other towns in South Australia. We have the beautiful historical buildings, as well as the beach and the train running through the middle of it. I love it.”
Like this story? Nominate a story from your region.
Click here to nominate >>
These inspiring regional stories are made possible by:
Program Partners
Major Media Partner
