The Glenelg Pier Hotel to trade as normal just days after pub operator Entertainment Venues Australia went bust
The Glenelg Pier Hotel – which stopped trading this week as its operator went bust – will reopen from next week, honouring existing wedding bookings and saving up to 40 jobs.
- July 2018: Rent debt forces Pier under
- March 2019: Pub baron accused of failing to pay bills
- April 2019: We reveal his failed $1.4bn development plans
- June 2019: His development company faces closure
- July 2019: His pub empire goes under
Wedding receptions will go ahead at the Glenelg Pier Hotel which is expected to fully trade from as early as next week saving up to 40 jobs.
Panicked brides had contacted the venue and The Advertiser concerned their events would be in jeopardy after the The Pier’s operator Entertainment Venues Australia went bust on Monday.
Venue manager Andrew Binns said the property’s landlord had taken possession of the business and would operate it as normal with existing staff.
“I am really grateful to him, he is moving it forward,” he said, adding all existing bookings and deposits for corporate functions and weddings would be honoured.
“There was potentially 40 people sitting on the employment line, and it’s a difficult time of year in hospitality to get re-employment.”
Staff were told of the good news at a meeting today.
The Pier, which is separate from hotel Oaks Plaza Pier located in the same building, had retained some staff to operate a breakfast service and to run existing corporate lunches.
Mr Binns was confident the venue, which includes two bars and two restaurants, would commence full trade next Wednesday once liquor and gaming licences were transferred to the landlord.
He said The Pier had been trading “fine” but said it needed to improve its marketing, particularly during winter when trade drops in Glenelg.
“We’ll have to operate (the business) smartly, everyone will come back on a casual basis and we’ll try and look after as many people as we can,” he said.
Entertainment Venues Australia, which was established last July, rescued The Pier a year ago after the previous operator was kicked out for failing to pay rent.
EVA director Elli Cakar, who had no previous experience in the hospitality industry, also took over leaseholds at the Royal Terrace Hotel at Kent Town, Links Lady Bay Hotel, Propaganda Club in the city, the Anchorage at Victor Harbor and Brougham Adelaide at North Adelaide.
The company had its leases terminated at the Lady Bay Hotel, the Anchorage and Brougham Adelaide.
The Lady Bay Hotel and Anchorage continue to trade unaffected.
Liquidators Duncan Powell are yet to reveal the extent of Entertainment Venues Australia’s debts.
The Pier’s duty manager Laura Stewart, 26, was hired by Entertainment Venues Australia who she said had the “best intentions” for the business.
“I think it’s important we (staff) all stick together and encourage people to support the business,” she said.
The Pier’s landlord declined to comment.
The Advertiser attempted to contact Mr Cakar for comment.