Meet the Fourthchild family

With more than five decades of combined hospitality, service and food experience, Ross and Christine Williams know exactly what it takes to create the great dining atmosphere, mouth-watering menus, and exceptional service, which makes Fourthchild Café and Restaurant one of Ipswich’s favourites.

Ross, who has over 30 years’ experience in hotels, clubs and bars, started out as a trainee manager at the Racehorse Hotel in the late 1980s, and Head Chef Christine, who started her career as an apprentice chef at the iconic Lyrebird restaurant in Brisbane, has been creating stunning dishes since the late 1980s, combine their skills to create an inner-city haven where locals, visitors and tourists can enjoy delicious breakfasts, luxe brunches, long lunches, homemade sweet and savoury treats, romantic three course dinners, catch ups for large groups, and more.

“We make sure that all our food is made from scratch; nothing is bought in,” Ross said.

“Fourthchild offers modern cuisine and relaxed casual dining with restaurant quality food all made onsite.”

Ross and Christine, who will celebrate 10 years at Fourthchild Café and Restaurant in 2023, managed the Rising Sun Hotel in Rosewood for seven years, and were looking for their next challenge when they found Fourthchild Café in the heart of Ipswich.

Christine, Ross and daughter Jessica, also an experienced hotel manager, built the Fourthchild offering to include all inhouse made dishes and baked goods, a full bar, large menu and all-day dining options for their patrons.

“Some of our menu items haven’t changed in almost 10 years because they’re still so popular with our customers. We’ve had the Stockman’s burger, lambs fry and bacon, some of our slices, our lasagnes and our cheesecakes on the menu since we started, so we think we must be doing something right!

They also use locally sourced fruit and vegetables and Rangeland meats and use local suppliers where possible

“I had the knowledge of alcohol and business, they had the experience of managing a high-end restaurant, and a great knowledge of food.

“Fourthchild is unique to Ipswich. When we first took over the former Fourthchild, no one else in Ipswich was doing it. We have a big menu with pretty much everything on the menu available any time of day, which is one of our differences.

“It’s one of the reasons why we’ve continued to grow.”

As well as their extensive menu, Ross and Christine have created a suite of catering and function options, ideal for any event or party.



Whether you want a traditional high tea in their function room, a BBQ buffet on the back deck, tapas and cold beers on a Friday afternoon, or canapes and cocktails for a special occasion, Ross and Christine have developed a wide range to suit any budget and palate.