Chef Matt goes by a few different names around the DONOVANS venues. Formally, he’s Executive Chef Matt Donovan. He’s also The Big Boss, Matty, and even Dad (did we mention his kids also work at DONOVANS?!). Chef Matt has built a bit of a reputation with his food. For example, his Seafood Chowder has a cult-like following at the DONOVANS venues; in fact, it’s even on a T-shirt! 

Throughout his time in hospitality, working his way up through managing kitchens to now owning and running two Coffs Coast hospitality venues, Matt has seen and done a lot. But the thread that weaves and connects everything he does is his love of fresh food, done well, his love for making people happy, and his family.

Even though he’s a busy bee running two restaurants, he still makes time to cook outside of the Surf Club and Link kitchens. The Dinner @ DONOVANS series on social media has a dedicated following who tune in every week to see what Matty is cooking up for his family to enjoy during Sunday dinner. Previous iterations have included hot honey prawns, a Sunday roast lamb, okonomiyaki, chicken shawarma and so much more. 

In fact, there was so much love for Chef Matt’s Sunday family dinners that he recently did a live Dinner @ DONOVANS, inviting the general public to join him and his family for one of his Sunday feeds (it was a paella, if you’re wondering).

Chef Matt’s socials and the mailing list are the best way to stay up to date with what’s happening and be the first to find out about any special live events coming up. He even posts recipes!