Pubs are often the heart of a country town, and Kin Kin is no exception.
The process included removing the poker machines.
The revamped watering hole still includes casual dining but also features The Woodshed — a degustation-only restaurant that recently won Best Destination Dining in the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.
Mr Ezrine's next venture is a tourist park to be built opposite the hotel.
Noosa Council recently approved a request from Mr Ezrine's company for the park to be assessed under its superseded planning scheme, instead of its current one.
The council said that, while it was yet to receive a formal application, under the scheme, the proposal was code-assessable due to the land's size, the absence of cabins or villas, and the limit of 25 camping sites.
Mr Ezrine bought the Black Ant cafe and general store from chef Jodie Williams three years ago, which had been the only other place to buy food in town.
The cafe announced on social media in May 2024 that it was closed for "extensive renovations" and has not yet reopened.
Mr Ezrine said the leased site was now used for workshops and as a bakery for goods that were sold at his hotel.
Ms Williams said she sold for family reasons, and only after being approached by Mr Ezrine.
Local coffee farmer Peter Hinner said the reason he settled in Kin Kin was for the "quietness" and the "family atmosphere" created by the original cafe.
Mr Hinner said Mr Ezrine had a "monopoly" on the town after buying multiple commercial-zoned main street properties.