Sale of Shearers Arms Tavern at Ormeau finally settled after long- COVID delay

A high profile hotelier has finally secured a popular northern Gold Coast pub after a long delay because of COVID.

Shearers Arms Tavern in Ormeau.

After a long COVID delay a syndicate — which includes the Queensland’s Hotelier of the year — has finally secured a popular northern Gold Coast pub.

Incoming operators Matthew Coorey and Richard Malouf, in partnership with Sydney-based Royal Hotels’ owners Ed and Justin Malouf have settled on the $15.5m purchase of the freehold/going concern of the Shearers Arms Tavern in Ormeau.

Contracts were exchange in November last year before COVID-19 sparked a statewide shutdown of hotels and just days before the new owners were granted liquor and gaming transfer approvals.

Matt Coorey and Member for Broadwater David Crisafulli. Picture: Supplied

With the industry forced into a spin, a mutual decision was made between the newly formed venture and the outgoing owners — Adelaide-based industry veterans John Murphy and John Cornish — to delay settlement.

Incumbent Queensland Hotelier of the Year Mr Coorey, who runs the Boardwalk Tavern with Mr Malouf in Hope Island, paid credit to vendors.

“Their patience and understanding through what has been one of the most difficult times in history for the pub sector enabled a mutually commercial position for both parties; and which has culminated in an amicable handover of the hotel,” he said.

The deal was struck by HTL’s Glenn Price and Brent McCarthy, and Ron Currey.

On a 1.2ha site the tavern includes a sports bar, restaurant, gaming facilities and a bottle shop.

Ed Malouf said it was a “fantastic hotel”.

“We’ve been searching the Queensland market for some years and saw the opportunity the

The Shearers offered,” he said.

“We look forward to settling into the asset and we will make some subtle changes throughout the hotel and gaming room and ensure the family friendly venue continues into the future.”

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