Anna Pholaket is the Owner of Melrose Restaurant & Rooftop Bar in Bulimba, an award-winning contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant recognised with an AGFG Chef Hat and named among delicious. Australia’s Top 100 Queensland Restaurants.

Born to Thai and Cambodian parents, Anna grew up in a family where food was at the heart of every celebration. She learned from an early age that hospitality is about more than what’s on the plate; it’s about bringing people together, creating connection and making people feel genuinely welcome. Those values continue to shape everything she does at Melrose.

After more than 15 years in finance as a Private Banker, Anna made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and pursue her passion for hospitality through business ownership. Today, she is a hands-on operator, leading every aspect of the business from developing menus and cocktails to overseeing operations, marketing, team leadership and guest experience.

As a single mother, Anna’s journey has been one of resilience, reinvention and determination. She understands the realities of balancing business ownership with raising a family while leading through constant change.

Drawing on both her corporate experience and her passion for hospitality, Anna is committed to creating memorable guest experiences, building strong teams, empowering women in the industry, and encouraging others to back themselves, embrace change and pursue the life they’re passionate about.