Tara Commercial Hotel’s future is unknown

Last Saturday the hotel celebrated it’s 107 birthday a highlight of the year for all involved but with recent challenges the owners aren’t sure how many more they will get to celebrate.

CELEBRATIONS: Drew, Guy, Callum, Tracey, Owen have poured their heart and soul into making the Tara Commerical Hotel what it is today.

OWEN and Tracey Brauer have always had a passion for people and beer, so buying the Tara Commerical Hotel 13 years ago was a natural fit.

But the couple’s days there are potentially numbered.

For the past 13 years they have called the Commercial Hotel home and although it was a good business opportunity, Owen said owning a watering hole in one of the worst droughts in history has brought on difficult challenges.

With the longevity of the drought affecting people’s income, it’s clear that its impacting what was once considered a droughtproof business.

“We find here at the pub that the drive-through has probably picked up a bit,” Mr Brauer said.

“However people aren’t coming in for a meal.

“They don’t seem to be able to spoil themselves and treat themselves as much as what they used to.”

The Tara Commerical hotel in the year 1912.

Last week Owen and Tracey celebrated the pub’s 107th birthday, however it may be their last with the hotel after listing the property for sale in October.

“My wife has had enough,” Mr Brauer said.

“There’s a lot of things in business you can’t control so you have to try and control the things that you can.

“I’m quite happy to stay though because it’s been good for us with plenty of good times and great people.”

Despite all the challenges that have come their way, the couple have persevered and poured their heart and soul into their business.

Now consisting of 13 hotel rooms, six self-contained cabins and a three bedroom managers flat, it’s not the pub it was when they first bought it.

The Commercial Hotel Tara in the year 1956.

Investing countless hours and dollars into the business, the couple have continuously renovated by purchasing new furniture and equipment.

“We have also probably invested around $35,000 in solar system this year as well,” Owen said.

Now being the only pub currently open in town, it’s really a place where spirits are lifted, and poured.

When reflecting back on his time at the pub, Owen highlighted the Christmas period as the standout for the annual calendar.

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