Latest Episode: Cronulla RSL Podcast
Steve & Leon Sidd - Group Managing Director of Catering HQ, and the Father Who Inspired It All
Cronulla RSL is excited to share the extraordinary history behind Catering HQ through the touching dialogue of Group Managing Director Steve Sidd and his father, Leon Sidd. Their latest podcast episode marks 12 months since Catering HQ joined the Cronulla RSL community, serving members and guests with acclaimed culinary experiences. Listen now.
Steve’s culinary journey and business success stem from his upbringing in Balgowlah Heights, Sydney, with an Egyptian mother and a Greek father. Food was always at the heart of the Sidd household, thanks to the passion and dedication of his father, Leon. Leon’s introduction to the craft of cooking and the dining industry began at the age of 15 at a small café on Avoca Street in Randwick. This experience fostered the foundational knowledge that assisted him in creating his own enterprise, the Coogee Sports Club. Despite undertaking various business ventures in different dining formats, Leon always had an undeniable love for clubs.
““We started out in clubs, then transitioned into our own cafes and restaurants, only to return to the clubs again. Clubs have always felt like family. That’s something I’ve recognised since childhood; it’s always been that way. There’s a real connection between what we do and clubs.”
Leon still gets emotional thinking back to those early days, remembering how much he loved to cook and create, and how his son Steve shared the same passion.
Steve’s early memories consist of working alongside his father, immersed in the kitchen instead of spending weekends surfing. “From those days, even when Dad was at Hornsby RSL, my friends would spend their school holidays at the beach. But not me—I used to go to work with Dad. On Anzac Day, for example, Dad would stay overnight for the dawn service and breakfast. Mum would put me in a taxi at 5:00 in the morning to head to Hornsby RSL so I could be there to work with him.” said Steve.
The captivating energy of restaurant life fostered lessons that would shape his career, eventually leading him to open his first restaurant at the age of 18. Since then, he has developed a boutique yet expansive hospitality chain. Today, as the leader of Catering HQ, Steve has focused on modernizing processes to ensure quality and consistency across all venues. He honours his father’s legacy by continuing to bring people together through the universal language of food and a deep commitment to the RSL and the customer experience.
“For me, maintaining strong connections with the stakeholders of the clubs and our Members is essential. The Members get to know me, and I’m committed to continuing that. Even though we now employ 420 staff across 8 venues, I remain deeply in tune with the business and closely connected with my staff and stakeholders.”
In addition to his culinary expertise, Leon’s compassion was evident in a remarkable act of selflessness. He became involved in a historic kidney donation chain, where 14 kidney transplants were performed simultaneously, saving multiple lives. His willingness to contribute to this life-changing cause exemplifies the deep sense of community and care that has always been at the core of his life and work.
This episode celebrates the blend of tradition and innovation rooted in the deep bond between father and son, their shared love for the craft of cooking, and how their journey has shaped Catering HQ’s success at Cronulla RSL.
Tune in to hear Steve and Leon’s incredible story. The episode is now available on the Cronulla RSL website, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Don’t miss this moving tribute to the people and stories behind the food we love.
To experience Steve’s outstanding hospitality firsthand, visit Bonfield, 1942 or Bites By The Bay at Cronulla RSL—both open 7 days a week. Cronulla RSL is the perfect place to relax, dine and connect with friends by the beach.
Steve and Leon Sidd at Bonfield, Cronulla RSL
Leon preparing food in one of his successful enterprises
Young Steve in chef attire
Leon Sidd’s Career
Avoca Street Café, Randwick – Started at age 15 as a kitchen hand, gaining his first culinary experience.
Matraville RSL – Worked after his time at the café; no specific years provided.
Coogee Sports Club – His first independent club, where he managed the kitchen and operations.
Hornsby RSL – Managed the kitchen and ran operations for 13 years.
Cafes in Newtown and City (with family) – Operated several successful cafes, including one near Royal Prince Alfred Medical Centre and another on Phillip Street in Sydney.
Manly Skiff Club and Newport (Northern Beaches) – Helped manage catering and operations for these prominent venues.
Steve Sidd’s Career
Newtown Café – Worked while in school, gaining early experience alongside his father.
Snives Restaurant, St. Ives (1990s) – Steve’s first restaurant, which he opened at 18.
Green Shades Café, Galston (1990s) – Opened a café within a nursery, pioneering the trend of cafes in nursery settings.
Hideaway Cottage, Kenthurst (late 1990s–early 2000s) – Converted an 1800s house into a modern dining venue.
Royal Motor Yacht Club, Broken Bay (2000s) – Managed catering operations and expanded their reputation in the Northern Beaches.
Cronulla-Sutherland Leagues Club (2000s) – Took over catering operations after moving to the Sutherland Shire.
Cronulla RSL (from 2023) – Catering HQ became the official catering partner, marking a full-circle moment for the family.
A Taste of the Past: Menus from Leon’s Former Restaurants
Spotlight on Success: Articles and PR from Steve & Sidd’s Journey
About Catering HQ:
Make your next event one to remember with Catering HQ catering services. We provide high quality menus, while at the same time providing excellent value for money. We will tailor our menu and service specifically to meet the needs of our venue, budgets and those of the local demographic.
We also offer a special function service. We have a dedicated group of hospitality professionals who can provide functions to meet any standards to support our team at the venue. https://www.cateringhq.com.au/
Bonfield - Cronulla RSL
Our newly renovated restaurant BONFIELD combines great casual dining, the freshest quality products, and simply stunning water views all year round. https://www.cronullarsl.com.au/bonfield
BItes By The Bay - Cronulla RSL
Located on The Bay, featuring all of your cafe favourites.
Enjoy cake & coffee while overlooking the scenic views of Bate Bay. Watch the waves roll in and the yachts sail past.
1942 - Cronulla RSL
Available for advance group bookings of 20+ people only, 1942 features its own select menu, access to an extensive sommelier’s selection of boutique wines and full table service.
The space will operate as an exclusive private dining room, and is perfectly suited to special occasions and corporate events. The space will seat between 20 and 38 people and offers expansive ocean views.